Dorotha Harper

One of God’s faithful followers, Dorotha L. Harper, was peacefully called home on December 12, 2008. A service of celebration of Dorotha’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 11:00am in the downtown sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Tyler, Texas with Dr. Michael Massar and Rev. Scott Wiley officiating. Private burial will be held at Cathedral in the Pines, Tyler, Texas. Dorotha was born on July 20, 1929 in Phoenix, Arizona to the late Wilbur D. & Inez Mills McCarthy. She graduated from Comanche High School in 1945. She married the love of her life, Truman Thomas Harper, on December 25, 1946 in Abilene, Texas and they enjoyed 52 years of marriage until Truman was called home on January 31, 1999. Before moving to Tyler in 1969, Truman and Dorotha resided in Dallas, Texas where she served as the pastor’s secretary at Lake Highlands Baptist Church for thirteen years. After moving to Tyler, she spent many years raising her children before returning to the workforce as a Kindergarten Aide for TISD. She also later worked as a secretary in the Research Department for UT Health Center Tyler until retiring in 1993. Upon her retirement, she spent many hours pouring over books and learning new things as her thirst for knowledge was never quenched. Dorotha painted many beautiful pictures and could see beauty all around her putting it to life on the canvas. This was also the way she looked at life seeing the good in everything and even in tough times, she fought the good fight, never complaining through ten years of cancer treatment and numerous surgeries. Her positive, loving, and unselfish nature was contagious and radiated to all those around her. Even through her darkest days, she was the first to proclaim, “God is So Good”. Upon moving to Tyler, Dorotha and Truman joined and became active members of First Baptist Church, Tyler where they taught Sunday school classes and met many lifelong friends. Dorotha’s greatest joys in life came from her time spent with her precious grandchildren who affectionately named her “Gran”. Whether it was time spent with her grandchildren individually or together, she delighted in being wherever they were. She went to many sporting events, concerts, school functions, etc., and enjoyed simple activities with them as well including playing board games, watching movies, cooking, and painting. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kelli Ann Harper in 1981. She is survived by two sons, Dave Harper and John M. Harper and wife, Cynthia Rossman Harper and one daughter, Susan Harper Richardson and husband, Bobby J. Richardson, Jr. all of Tyler. She was blessed with six grandchildren, Brandon Harper, Magnolia, Tx; Thomas Harper, McKinney, Tx; LeighAnne Harper, Dallas, Tx; Ross Richardson, Austin, Tx; Randi Richardson and Reagan Richardson, Tyler, Tx. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of great friends. Honorary Pallbearers: Dr. Bob Caplinger, Jerald Debenport, Joe Blalock, Brad Richardson, Scott Richardson, Tommy F. Harper, Glenn Brooks and Phil Bane. The family wishes to thank Dr. Ariel Lee, Bill Reynolds, the entire staff at Tyler Hematology and Oncology Center, the staff at Garden Estates of Tyler, First Baptist Church, Tyler CIA class, and most recently Hospice of East Texas (JoLynn Wright and Carol Horne). Your kindnesses, care and unconditional love to our mother can never be measured nor repaid. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Memorials in honor of Dorotha L. Harper may be made to First Baptist Church, Tyler, 301 West Ferguson, Tyler, Tx. 75702 or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Tx. 75701 The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2008 at the Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, Tx. For more information or to express condolences, visit www.stewartfamilyfuneral.com. Psalm 91:1-2 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”

Dorotha Harper

July 20, 1929 - December 12, 2008