Virginia Lee Harper

 

Virginia L. Harper, 85, of Sherwood, Arkansas passed away peacefully in her home on March 12, 2023.  She was a feisty spirited woman who always expressed the desire to go on her own terms, which she did in the comfort of her home of over 50 years. 

She was born to Zelma Henry McClain and Joseph Heber Lester in Mt. Vernon, AR on October 7, 1937.  She is the oldest of five siblings.  She graduated Jacksonville High School in 1955.  She was a Red Devil cheerleader and Ms. JHS.   She then attended Little Rock Jr. College which is now UALR.  She was crowned the May Queen and graduated with an Associate’s Degree.   In 1958 she married Billy Crosby of Stuttgart, AR with whom she had three daughters she cherished. 

She later married Charles Harper of North Little Rock, AR.  She and Charlie built a business of home construction and Real Estate.  She began a career in Insurance in the 70’s and rose to be partners in a successful insurance agency.   She was a revered Insurance Broker earning many recognitions in her career.    She began her working years the age of 13 with Webers Root Beer stand in Little Rock.   She had to falsify her age in order to get the job that required her to walk several miles and take two city busses to get to work each day.   She continued working until the age of 75 when she finally retired to enjoy the benefits of her labor.   She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Association of Professional Insurance Women,   She enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world, but especially to Dallas and Nashville to spend time with her daughters and grandchildren. 

She leaves behind many great friends including her best friend of over 50 years that moved to live right across the street.  She has stayed in touch with many high school friends and attended every class reunion.  Anyone that knew Virginia loved her.  She would light up any room she entered. She was a strong independent woman that lived life to the fullest.  She had impeccable style and was beautiful inside and out.  Her family and friends will miss her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her parents Zelma and James B McClain.  She is survived by her children Karen Johnson of Dallas, TX, Kim (Michael) Davis of Terrell, TX and Kelli (Scott) Ellis of Nashville, TN.  She enjoyed her seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.   She is also survived by her siblings James (Jaynie) McClain, Ed (Lana) McClain, Vernon (Kaye) McClain and Sheryl (Robert) Thornburg. 

Her family would like to give a special thanks to Tina Wright and Wright by Your Side for being there to care for her in her final time.  To say they took good care of her would be an understatement and she loved them all dearly. 

Visitation is 4:00 PM-8:00 PM, Friday, March 24, 2023 and 10:00 AM to noon, Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home.  Funeral will begin at 1:00 PM, Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the Funeral Home.  Interment will be at Hawthicket Cemetery, Enola, AR.

 

Service entrusted to North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170