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Mary Harper Obituary
Dr. Mary A. Harper was born June 22, 1947 the eldest of five children to Adam and Rosa Lee (Beasley) Henderson in Montgomery, Ala.
In 1948, her family moved to Akron, Ohio where Mary attended the Akron Public Schools and graduated from South High school. After graduation Mary attended The University of Akron studying and earning one of many degrees starting with Associates in Social Work. She continued her education over the years obtaining her Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Human Services. She valued education so much that she continued her education until 2013, obtaining her Doctorate degree in Social Work & Human Services.
Mary was employed with Akron Summit County as the Deputy Director of Human Services with 30 years of service, retiring in 2010. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA), The Eastern Stars, and NAACP.
In 1980, she married Willie Davis Harper and was married 35 years. Mary enjoyed family, traveling and education, so much that she would always encourage others to "Get it, an education, because without it you have nothing."
She was preceded in death by parents, Adam and Rosa Lee (Beasley) Henderson and brother, Adam Henderson. She leaves to cherish her memory, husband Willie Davis Harper; daughter, Deonna Dixson; sons, Melvin Harper and Mickey Fry; brothers, John and Raymond Henderson, James Peters; sisters, Tommy Ann Henderson, Ethel Wack; 21 grandchildren, over 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Service will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 12 noon at Stewart and Calhoun Funeral Home, 529 W. Thornton St., Akron, OH 44307, Rev. Shirley Watts Eulogizing, Interment at Rose Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Procession will form and condolences may be sent to 892 Austin Av., Akron, OH 44306.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Harper
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
Kimberly Brown& Family
September 28, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Brown Family
October 4, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Valorie R Austin
October 3, 2024
Mary was th best Supervisor I ever had. Miss Her! R.I.P.
Tiffany Mcknight
November 29, 2020
Sweet Pea you are so missed and always remembered..
Kathy Moore
October 12, 2014
Mary was my friend and mentor for the 30 years we worked together at SCDJFS. We even filed our retirement papers together. Our road trip to Columbus was enjoyable and a wonderful memory. We shared many things and much laughter. I will miss her but cherish the memories.
My prayers are with her family. May their memories bring them smiles and
ease their sorrow.
Beverly Nixon-Williams
October 11, 2014
I also met Dr.Harper at the D.O.H.S.many years ago.I had left the agency to relocate to Georgia.Upon my return home,she tried to convince me to return to the welfare dept.That didn't happen,but she became my professional job reference and my friend.I always was so proud of all her educational accomplishments.My condolences goes out to her husband and entire family.She will be missed.
Harper Family Reunion July 2014
Pamela Shaw-Grant
October 10, 2014
Ilene Keith
October 10, 2014
To the family of Mary Harper, My deepest sympathy. I worked for Mary at the welfare dept. for many years. She was helpful and professional. I remember most her lovely Christmas luncheons.
Ilene Keith
Tonja Dunson
October 10, 2014
Sorry for your loss Mickey Fry and family.. My deepest sympathy goes out for you.... May God give you peace in your hearts
- Tonja Dunson
Kimberly & Jimmy Brown & Family
October 10, 2014
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Sister Baby Sweet Pea and Tootsie on Christmas Cruise 2013
Paula Shaw-Powell
October 10, 2014
Pamela Shaw-Grant
October 9, 2014
Sweet Pea, we are really going to miss you. We had a great time on the Xmas cruise and then again at the reunion. We just started the family trips but you have made the most joyous trip yet. Rest Sweet Pea, you are one of the kindest person I have ever met. Love, Your niece from Alabama.
Vera Hairston
October 9, 2014
My heart and prayers go out to you (family). Mary will be sadly missed, she was a wonderful woman, and my life has been enriched knowing her. God bless.
Taya Williams
October 9, 2014
RIP Mrs. Harper you will be truly missed and may god be with you.
SCDJFS Investigation Unit
October 9, 2014
It was an honor and pleasure to work for Mary at the SCDJFS. Her smile, humor and guidance has been truly missed since her retirement. She was a woman full of wisdom and knowledge and was always willing to share it. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Tia Ruggs
October 9, 2014
May God give you Peace In Your Time Of Sorrow
Mrs. Valorie Hill-Austin
October 9, 2014
R.I.H. Mary Harper...God's blessings to her family and friends.
shekeila whitehead
October 8, 2014
Aunt Sweet Pea, I am glad I got the opportunity to meet you this summer. May you rest in peace!!!!
David Meager
October 8, 2014
I worked for and with Mary for many years. Her kindness and genuine caring and consideration of all who worked for her was second to none. my deepest condolences to her family.
October 8, 2014
May God continue to give you strength during this difficult time.
Misty Mitchell
October 8, 2014
My Deepest Sympathy goes out to the Family of Dr. Mary Harper, She was such a wonderful woman, very nice and always willing to help us out. May God be with you all during this time of bereavement.
shirley branch
October 8, 2014
To the HarperFamily my heartfelt condolences in this your difficult time my prayers are with you and your family The Branch Family
Shirley Branch
October 8, 2014
To The Harper Family my prayers go out too your family in this most difficult time The Branch Family
Shirley Branch
October 8, 2014
To The Harper Family my prayers go out too your family in this most difficult time The Branch Family
October 8, 2014
We are so sorry about Mary's passing. We worked with Mary at the "Welfare Dept." for many years. She was a person who truly cared about others. Know that her family is in our thoughts during this time of loss.
Judy(Solnick) and Ray Gent
Katherine Powers
October 8, 2014
My condolences to the family. I loved MAH(SweetPea) and was so proud of her many accomplisments. She set an example of how people should be treated for many of us at JFS. May she rest in Peace.
Judy Boyle
October 8, 2014
Deepest sympathy to the Harper family. I worked for Mary for several years at DJFS. She was a kind, considerate boss who was always willing to listen. She also had a great sense of humor which she happily shared. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. God bless you all.
Ramont Wright
October 8, 2014
My condolences to the Harper family.
I hope you all find confort and peace with Sweet Pea's return to the father.
Right now I'm visulizing all the faces of joy from those of us that
has crossed and that lived on Andrus St. I can see their faces
with tears of JOy!!!!
Family imagine the reunion that took place when SWEET PEA came through those
pearlie gates.
Weeping may endure for a night, BUTT!!!! JOY!!!!!!!!!!
cometh in the moring. Sad we are, BUT JOY!!! Sweet Pea has gone HOME
RIP in heaven sister Sweet Pea until we meet again.
(Shalom) Go in Peace my sister,
Ramont
Sheila Neal & family
October 8, 2014
To the family, so sorry to here about the passing of your loved one. I pray that God give the family strenght , comfort and guidance that only he can give to help you through this difficult time. Will keep the family in my prayers.
Stewart & Calhoun Funeral Home
October 8, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Edward Cession
October 7, 2014
A part of you will always shine in all that ever knew you. you my sister is one of a kind and i will always love and remember YOU....
Edward Cession
October 7, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to all my family our sister will surely always be missed not just but use but by all who knew her. Much love Always EDDIE....
SHAWN WALKER
October 7, 2014
To the Harper family you have my deepest sympathy in the loss of this great woman she will truly be missed!
JUDY BOWER
October 7, 2014
TO MARY'S FAMILY, MY DEEPEST COLDOLENCE TO YOU AND YOURS. I WORK WITH MARY MANY YEARS AT DHS, SHE WAS ONE OF THE BEST TO KNOW. SHE HAD A HEART OF GOLD, AND SHINED BRIGHT. I WILL MISS HER, BUT GOD HAS HER NOW WALKING THOSE GOLDEN STREETS AND AT PEACE.
Angela McElrath Smith
October 7, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the Harper, Henderson and Fry families. Mrs. Harper was always very welcoming and loving and I greatly appreciate everything she did for me. I will cherish all of the great times that we had together.
Rest in peace Granny Mary.
Love,
Angie aka Little Mickey's mom.
Sarah Kisner
October 7, 2014
My condolences to the family of Mary Harper. Mary was a very hard working and dedicated individual. She had a willing spirit and a radiant smile. She will be missed. May God hold you, help you, and see you through in your times of need.
Cynthia (Toot) Hithon
October 7, 2014
My condolences to the Harper and Henderson family. Sweet Pea was a good friend who taught me a lot. I will miss her.
Pauletta Bowen
October 7, 2014
To Dr. Harper family.
You have my deepest condolences in the passing of a lovely person with a beautiful personality. It was an honor to have met her at a luncheon at Guy's. May God give you peace and joy in her memories.
Tonja Blair
October 7, 2014
My condolences to the family. I am sure she will be missed by many. It is very rare to meet an individual with a personality and giving spirit like Sweet Pea and I feel honored to have met her. May she rest in peace.
frances ladd
October 6, 2014
A spirit filled woman who I had the pleasure of knowing. She will be missed by all
eric terrell
October 6, 2014
I am so sorry for loss
October 6, 2014
Mrs. Harper will always be remembered for her giving and nurturing spirit and touching so many lives. She was like a mother to many but to her biological family, may god bless you and provide you with guidance through this trying time. Unfortunately, I am too familiar with what you all are going through (unexpected loss of my mother 8/4/14) so just continue to pray and know that there are many of us who feel your pain and are praying also.
Leila Colbert, Baltimore, MD.
Brenda Bolyard
October 6, 2014
So sorry for your loss Harper family. Mary was a nice neighbor for so many years.May Mary R.I.P.
Jack Eldridge
October 5, 2014
Mary was such a pleasure to spend the work day with. Always calm, with a gentle smile. I loved her dearly. To the family and all who loved this wonderful woman, I send my deepest condolences.
Eva Hartwell
October 4, 2014
God now has another one of his angels in heaven. SweetPea will be missed by family and friends greatly. I am so glad that I was able to visit her one more time before she passed on. May she rest in peace knowing that so many people loved her. May the Harper Family have peace during this time of need.
Juanita Livingston
October 4, 2014
My condolences to Mary's family and all who loved her. She was a giving person, who really cared about people. May her soul rest with God.
Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results
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Memorial Events
for Mary Harper
Oct
9
Visitation
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Stewart & Calhoun Funeral Home529 West Thornton Street, Akron, OH 44307
Oct
9
Funeral services provided by:
Stewart & Calhoun Funeral Home529 West Thornton Street, Akron, OH 44307
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