Kathleen Harper

Kathleen “Kathy” Harper, 74, of Yantis, Texas, was born September 24, 1951, in Houston, Texas, to Leroy Clarady Sr. and Alleen May. She departed this life on March 14, 2026, in Tyler, Texas, peacefully leaving her earthly body behind to enter her eternal home. Kathy was at peace, and her family finds comfort in knowing she is resting in the presence of the Lord.

Kathy worked for many years as a bookkeeper and accounting manager. On April 20, 1985, she married Willard Harper, in Houston, Texas. Together they shared many years of marriage and built a life centered around faith, family, and the outdoors.

Eleven years ago, Kathy and Willard moved to the Yantis and Lake Fork area from Boerne, where they quickly became part of the community. She was a faithful member of Lake Fork Baptist Church and was deeply involved in the church’s Feed My Sheep community outreach program, where she enjoyed serving others and helping those in need.

Kathy loved being outdoors and especially loved fishing. She was an avid angler who enjoyed fishing for crappie and bass and was a former member of the Lake Fork Lady Anglers. In addition to fishing, she also enjoyed playing golf and pickleball. More than anything, Kathy treasured time spent with her family, and her grandchildren who lovingly knew her as “Nana.”

Kathy is preceded in death and reunited in Heaven with her parents and one brother, Leroy Clarady Jr.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of nearly 41 years, Willard Harper of Yantis; four children, Jennifer Irene McCarter and husband Blake of Boerne, TX, Stephanie Jean Ruiz of Bulverde, TX, James Russell Harper of Rockmart, GA, and Leonard Scot Harper and wife Tina of Dahlonega, GA; two siblings, Larry Clarady and wife Rhonda of Seabrook, TX, and Pamela Clarady and husband Dave Kerr of La Vernia, TX; seven grandchildren, Tanner McCarter, Trendon McCarter, Taylor Muhleman, Brandon Ramos, Josh Ramos, Jonathan Ruiz, and Joshua Harper; two great-grandchildren, Ellie and Vann Muhleman; and numerous extended family members, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

There will be a visitation with family at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Lake Fork Baptist Church (9483 FM 515, Alba, TX 75410) and a celebration of life service will follow at 11:00 AM with Dr. Zachary Tunnell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Kathy’s wish was for donations to be made to the Feed My Sheep program at Lake Fork Baptist Church. This ministry works to reach those in the surrounding communities and church families who have immediate food needs, and it was a cause that meant a great deal to her. Please use the following link and select “Feed My Sheep” in the dropdown box to donate directly to the church: https://onrealm.org/LakeForkBaptist/-/form/give/now