Mary Coleeta Harper

1929 - 2023

Mrs. Mary Coleeta Sawyer Harper, 94, of Ellijay, went home to the Lord Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023.

She was born Aug. 27, 1929, the only child of Bill and Kate (Hill) Sawyer. Raised in East Ellijay, where she was born, she was well-loved, not only by her parents, but as an only grandchild to her father's parents and the oldest grandchild on her mother's side.

She was always a talkative person, and for those who knew her, it comes as no surprise that she got "talks or whispers too much" on many report cards.

She graduated from Ellijay High School. She was on the very first cheerleading squad, a member of the Glee club, the ladies ensemble, future homemakers, annual staff officer, senior class officer and in the Queen's Court (what we call homecoming court today).

She was saved at revival at age 16 and baptized in the river in East Ellijay. She graduated in 1946 and became the first telegraph operator in Gilmer County.

She married April 1, 1951 to James Leon Harper. They owned and ran the bus station, as well as the telegraph office. After their daughter was born in 1954, she eventually began to work retail, which became her true life's work. She always worked outside the home except for a year off in 1964 when their twin sons were born.

Many children raised in the 1980s remember her as the Dixie Dime Store lady, where she worked from 1972 until her retirement.

After retirement, she took on another job of raising babies so that mamas could go to work, helping raise six children who still call her Nanny.

She is survived by children, Kathi Harper Hill (David), Jerry Leon Harper and James Gerry Harper (Michelle); three grandchildren, Eddie (Mandy) Harper, Jesse Harper (Lee) Logan, and Anna Kate Hill and step- grandson, Trey Beckett; three great-grandchildren, Sawyer Harper, Hannah Harper and Ryder Logan.

She is preceded in death by husband of 37 years, James Leon Harper, who passed in 1988.

Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, from the chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with the Rev. Christian Burton officiating.

Interment was in the Oak Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Eddie Harper, Lee Logan, David Hill, Bob Worley, Steve Wells and Joe Wells.

Honorary pallbearers were Eddie Ellington, John Hill, Raymond Long and Bobby Sisson.

Music was by Irene Wofford.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Oak Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund.

Condolences can be made at www.bernhardtfh.com. Bernhardt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.