Alta Harper

Alta Harper was a remarkable, highly intelligent, dignified woman. She lived a full life and was proud that she lived to be 99 years and 6 months old. Mrs. Harper died with her family at her side on April 21, 2001 in Tyler, Texas. Alta Partin Harper was born in Teague, Texas on October 24, 1912. In 1930, she graduated as Salutatorian from Teague High School where she was also editor of “The Orange and White”, the school newspaper. Mrs. Harper then attended Texas State College for Women (now Texas Women’s University), graduating with honors in 1934 with a degree in mathematics and English. She was invited back to be the speaker at her 50th college reunion. Mrs. Harper began her career teaching high school English in Donie, Texas. She also taught in Edinburg, Texas and Tyler, Texas where she retired as a teacher of homebound and hospitalized children of all grades. Mrs. Harper was always active, serving others and her community. Her husband was a minister, and she shared in those duties in all of their churches, often serving as the pianist and teaching Sunday School. She was a board member and held offices in many organizations including the American Association of University Women, Tyler Council of Church Women, The Tyler Day Nursery, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the Tyler Gem and Mineral Society. For her work with the Tyler Council of Church Women, she was named a “Woman of Tyler” in 2001 and was described as one of “women working wonders” for her accomplishments and contributions. Mrs. Harper enjoyed public speaking, giving programs and book reviews for various groups until she was in her mid 90’s. Deeply dedicated to her Christian faith and the church for her entire life, she has been an active member of First Christian Church in Tyler. Alta Partin married Bruce Harper on June 15, 1939. They loved each other deeply and were devoted to each other for the 63 years of their marriage before his death in 2002. Alta was a wonderful and loving mother to her three daughters: Mary Bruce Harper Burt of Tyler, Ann Harper Sweetin (deceased, 2002), and Kay Harper Hagadone of Coppell. In addition to her daughters, she is survived by her sons-in-law: Billy Burt, David Sweetin, and Stan Hagadone and by seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and her niece, Mary Nell Partin of Fort Worth. Others who mourn her passing and who were important to Mrs. Harper and her family are her friends and caregivers at Garden Estates as well as Candyce Jacobs of Candy Cares and her caregiving staff who took such loving care of Mrs. Harper. Following a private family burial, a memorial service for Mrs. Harper will be held on Wednesday, April 25 at 3:00P.M. at First Christian Church, Tyler. If you choose, memorials may be sent to First Christian Church, 4202 S. Broadway, Tyler, Texas 75701 or Tyler Day Nursery, 2901 W. Gentry Pkwy., Tyler, Texas 75702.

Alta Harper

October 24, 1912 - April 21, 2012