Sylva J. Harper 1907-2003 Obituary
Sylva Jemima Teter Harper, 95, a lifelong resident of Wymer and a resident of the Elkins Regional Convalescent Center for the past two weeks, passed away Monday, June 30, 2003, at 9:10 a.m. in the Elkins Regional Convalescent Center.
She was born Oct. 1, 1907, at Wymer, a daughter of the late Aaron and Florence May Kerns Teter.
On Feb. 21, 1925, she was united in marriage to Carney Harper, who preceded her in death on Sept. 15, 1962.
Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Homer (Helen) Rapp of Summersville, Mrs. Layne (Anna) Hinkle of Chardon, Ohio, and Mrs. Bobby (Rose Mary) Vance of Onego; three sons, Billy Harper and wife, Louise, of Beckley, Thamar Harper and wife, Harriet of Hartwick, N.Y., and Howard Harper and wife, Evelyn, of Beverly; one sister, Gail Kirk of Delmar, Md.
Mrs. Harper also raised her oldest granddaughter, Mrs. Jack (Kitty) Judy of Harman.
Also surviving are 22 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 24 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death besides her parents and husband were two sons, five sisters, three brothers and two great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Harper was a loving mother, homemaker and care giver. She was a member of the Harman Church of the Brethren, where she served as superintendent, and was also a teacher at the Harperton Sunday School for several years.
One of her great loves was the time she spent with her children and their families. Her favorite activity was traveling. Her travels included the Holy Land, Africa, China, Europe, Germany, Hawaii, Spain, Turkey, Italy, Mexico, Greece and the Virgin Islands.
She took two cruises’ during her lifetime, one which she was a passenger aboard the Queen Elizabeth, which sailed from paris to New York. She also attended the World Fairs in New York and New Orleans.
Among her travels she also traveled to most of the 50 states.
Friends will be received at F.E. Runner Funeral Home today after 6 p.m. On Thursday, Mrs. Harper will be moved to Harman Church of the Brethren for visitation from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., the funeral hour. The Rev. Joe Mininger, retired Mennonite minister will officiate. Interment will follow in the Harper Cemetery near Harman. The F.E. Runner Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Sylva Jemima Teter Harper.
Sylva J. Harper 1907-2003 Obituary
