Olene Cato Harper

Mrs. Olene Cato Harper, age 92, of Douglas, Georgia passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, October 25, 2024 at her home following an extended illness.
Mrs. Harper, an native of Coffee County, was born on September 29, 1932 in Bushnell, Georgia to the late Henry Benjamin Cato and the late Gertrude Cato.
Mrs. Harper is survived by her loving husband of 73 years, Elijah "Buddie" Harper, Jr. of Douglas, Georgia; her daughter, Linda Diane Harper Merritt of Douglas, Georgia; 2 Grandchildren: Lori Jeneen Merritt Cliett (Darin) and Rev. Jason Elijah Merritt (Kim) both of Douglas, Georgia; 4 great grandchildren: Logan Elijah Merritt of Waynesboro, Mississippi, Haley Elizabeth Merritt Foy (Jacob) of Douglas, Georgia, Noah Grayson Cliett and Natalie Grace Cliett of Douglas, Georgia; and 1 great-great-grandchild, Lyla Harper Foy. She is also survived by a devoted caregiver, Mrs. Loretha Manning, and special friends: Barny and Carloyn Miller, and Bonnie Harrell. Along with her parents, Mrs. Harper was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Gene Merritt.
Mrs. Harper was devoted to her family, her friends, her church, but mostly to her God. She was a faithful attendee at First Assembly of God for over 50 years. When health issues prevented her from attending services, she kept studying her bible and was a true prayer warrior at home.
Mrs. Harper's family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon, October 27, 2024 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at First Assembly of God. Her funeral will be held at 2:00 PM at First Assembly of God With Rev. Marshall Adcock officiating and Rev. Jason Merritt giving a eulogy. Interment will follow at Salem Cemetery, with Rev. Buddy Phillips providing the closing prayer.
Pallbearers will include: Doyle Wooten, Michael Grantham, Ben Wooten, Keith Newell, Terry Morgan and Chad Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be staff of Bethany Hospice.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com.
Ricketson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.