Clarice Carol Sharpe Harper

Clarice Carol Sharpe Harper

March 12,1931 – July 19, 2025

Clarice Carol Sharpe Harper, a woman of remarkable intellect, quiet strength, and charming ironic wit, passed away peacefully on July 19th at the age of 94. Born in Louisville, Kentucky to older doting parents who had been told they could not have children, Carol was raised above the family's pharmacy on the corner of 32nd St and Hale Ave during the Great Depression. Encouraged to memorize genealogies and learn Latin grammar while still a toddler, she was granted adult privileges by the Louisville Public Library at age nine. Carol led a life shaped by family legacy, intellectual curiosity and dedication to learning and cultural life.

Carol earned a BS degree in pharmacy from the University of Kentucky in 1952, following in her father's professional footsteps, becoming one of a small but growing number of women pharmacists to enter the field in the 1950's, and the first woman to become a member of the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honorary Society. Her intellectual curiosity was not confined to one path however. She later pursued degrees in botany(a BS degree from the University of Louisville in 1954) and an MA in clinical psychology from UofL in 1958, bringing together the study of plants, minds, and medicines in a uniquely interdisciplinary life. With her diverse educational background, Carol served as a psychologist for both the Jefferson Co and Louisville Board of Education for several years, and as a registered pharmacist for her family pharmacy, Sharpe's Drugstore.

She met her husband, noted municipal bond attorney Spencer E Harper Jr, while at U of L, marrying him on July 1, 1955. They were together for 61 years and had two children, Spencer Harper III and Grafton Sharpe Harper. During their long marriage, Carol and Spencer were supporters of many foundational Louisville arts organizations including the Speed Museum Charter Collectors and Kentucky Opera, where Carol served as president of the Friends of the Opera, and later on the Board. Carol and Spencer were members of Second Presbyterian Church where Carol served as a Sunday and Bible School teacher, the Fincastle (now Clear Creek) Beagles, and the Pendennis Club. They traveled extensively, both for pleasure and Spencer's bond closings, visiting their two sons in New York and Los Angeles, many friends, and pursuing art and cultural interests.

Carol was also a devoted member of Delta Zeta sorority, which she joined while at U of L, for over 70 years. She received the Achoth Award for outstanding service, leadership and philanthropic efforts, based on years of service to the sorority in a range of roles and capacities including sorority president both on campus and for the Louisville Alumnae Chapter, Province XX Outstanding Alumna and Kentucky Reference Chairman and National Convention delegate. She established a fund to underwrite important speakers at national conventions.Many local Delta Zeta's will miss her presence at meetings and events, and her role as a mentor to all.

Carol was also a member of many local educational, professional and arts organizations that reflected her diverse interests, support of tradition and loyalties: the U of L and Uof K Alumni Associations, the Women's Association of the Louisville Orchestra, the Chamber Music Society, Mensa,Intertel, Woman's Club of Louisville, and the Jefferson County Association of Pharmacists.She chaired several benefits for the Kentucky Association for Mental Health, held actives roles with the Louisville Bar Association Auxiliary and was president of the Chenoweth Elementary PTA. She was particularly proud to be both a Daughter of the American Revolution and a Colonial Dame.

Those who knew her remember her sharp mind, wonderful wit and steady friendship. She was a woman who read deeply, listened intently, and gave generously-of her time, her insight, and her presence.

She is survived by her son, Spencer Harper IIIof New York, and was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Gill Sharpe and the former Clarissa Fredericka Scholl,her husband, Spencer E Harper Jr. and her son, Grafton Sharpe Harper. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the many fields she bridged with grace.

Visitation will be at Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home St Matthews, 3711 Lexington Road from 3:30 to 7:30 pm on Sunday, August 3. Graveside service on August 4th at Cave Hill Cemetery, departing from the funeral home at 1:30 pm. Reception at the Pendennis Club beginning at 5 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a gift to the Speed Museum, the Louisville Orchestra or Second Presbyterian Church.