Howard Harper

Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch
Howard Harper, 84, of Olive Branch, MS, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Blocker Cemetery. Pastor Jerrod Brooks and Pastor Charlie Shafer of First Baptist Church will officiate.
Howard was born on May 31, 1938, in Los Angeles, California. While working, he was a railroad conductor at Norfolk Southern Railway and was given the nickname, "Heavy". After moving to Olive Branch, he became a member of First Baptist Church. He was married to the love of his life, Margaret, and they were together for forty-six years.
Everyone knew that Howard had a sweet tooth. He always knew he could go to his granddaughter, Abbi, for sweets and baked goods. Abbi and her friends gave Howard the nickname, "Trouble", and it stuck with him over the years. Howard enjoyed going to the YMCA, drinking coffee, and visiting with others. He loved spending time with his family, building all sorts of things, driving his truck, and his dogs. Howard had a servant's heart and would have taken the shirt off his back for anyone. Howard was loved by many and will be forever remembered.
Howard is survived by his two daughters, Margaret Ann Porter of Olive Branch, MS and Traci Harper Nichols (Phelan) of Olive Branch, MS; son, Kevin Harper (Lucy) of Tuscumbia, AL; granddaughters, Joanna Michelle Pierce of Independence, MS, Abbi Nichols of Olive Branch, MS; grandson, Kevin Michael Porter of Cedar Bluff, AL; great-granddaughters, Crimson Pierce, Auburn Pierce, and Aggie Pierce all of Independence, MS; great-grandson, Brigham Pierce of Independence, MS; and sister, Norissa Caraway (Wayne) of Woodville, Texas.
Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret L. Harper; son, Michael Harper; parents, Joseph Henry Harper and Jeanie Green Harper; granddaughter, Samantha Reyes; great-grandsons, Aiden and Dalton Reyes; sisters, Naomi Sue Harper and Evelyn Reese; brothers, Harry Harper, Robert Lee Harper, and David Harper.
In lieu of traditional flowers, memorial contributions can be made in honor of Howard Harper to American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).
Online condolences may be made on his tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhome.com.