Sally Harper

It is with deep love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Sally Lane Harper, age 96, who went home to be with the Lord on August 28, 2025.
A woman of unwavering faith, she was the backbone of our family-steady, strong, and full of grace. She lived her life guided by her love for God and her devotion to her family, setting an example of kindness, resilience, and unconditional love.
Sally shared a beautiful life in Grenada, Mississippi, with her true love, Dr. John Davis (Dinky) Harper, who faithfully served the community as a dentist. Sally worked alongside him in the office, wearing many hats with grace and dedication. Together, they built a life that reflected devotion to their work, their community, their church and most of all, their family.
Sally also had a deep love for flowers and gardening and was a long time member of the Grenada Garden Club. She found joy and peace in tending to her flowers and plants with the same care and devotion she gave to her family. Her garden was a reflection of her spirit-vibrant, nurturing, and full of life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Davis Harper; son, David Lane Harper; father, John Marshall Lane; mother, Cora Taylor Lane; brothers, Purvis and Charlie Lane; sister, Mary Lane; great-grandson Patton Crews Burkhalter.
She is survived by her two daughters Cathy Harper Godwin (Carlie)and Robin Harper Jones (Brian); grandchildren Lindsey Burkhalter (Brooke), Candice Brown, Erin McElroy (Taylor), Patrick Jones, Sarah Beth Phelps (Cole), Harper Arnold (Amye), Taylor Arnold (Mary); great-grandchildren Edie Godwin; Ayden, Rollins, and Crews Burkhalter; Morgan, Mahlon and Jacob McElroy; Isabella and Gabrielle Brown; Walker and Emma Phelps.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Neighbors Heart Private Care Providers for their devoted care and support. Also the skilled care provided by Cecilia Bankhead during Sally's final days. Our family was profoundly blessed by Kenyatta (Tonia) Wells, an especially important caregiver whose love and tireless care over the last four years will never be forgotten.
Her life was a testimony of God's goodness, and her presence will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.
A celebration of her life will be held at First Baptist Church, Starkville, MS on Saturday, August 30 from 10:00-12:00 followed by family graveside service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Grenada, MS . The family invites all who loved her to join in honoring a life so beautifully lived. Pallbearers will be Carlie Godwin, Brian Jones, Brooke Burkhalter, Taylor McElroy, Harper Arnold, Taylor Arnold, Cole Phelps, Rollins Burkhalter, Patrick Jones, Mahlon McElroy, Jacob McElroy, and Crews Burkhalter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Starkville Academy, 505 Academy Road, where Sally's grandchildren or great-grandchildren have attended since 1984.