Tuesday, October 3, 2023 Wake: 10:30 a.m. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries 6000 Radecke Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21206 Bishop Clifford M. Johnson, Jr., Senior Pastor May 2, 1926 – September 20, 2023 Lula Mae Harper of Homegoing Celebration
L Lula Mae Harper was born on May 2, 1926 to the late Hayward Howard Sr. and Agness Jones Howard. She departed this life on September 20, 2023 at her home in Baltimore, Maryland at the age of 97. Lula received her education in the Pitt County School System in Pitt County, North Carolina (NC). She began work at an early age helping her parents with the babies as they kept coming. Lula was the second oldest of twelve children. All except two have preceded her in death. Lula married her childhood sweetheart, John Allen Harper, Jr. in Pitt County, NC. From that union, they parented three children, two of whom preceded her in death. Lula was a homemaker and worked for a very, very short time outside the home. Lula was a family person, believing strongly in the family. She took pride in nurturing children. She loved and supported all of her grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and great- great grands. She co-parented her oldest three granddaughters, enabling their mother to achieve opportunities she would not have been able to obtain otherwise. She took under her care one grandson from birth to adulthood and cared for one great niece from the age of 3 years to high school age. She seemed to have loved it all. Lula Loved cooking for family gatherings, especially, Sunday dinners after church. She also loved flowers and gardening. She had a “green thumb”. She was surrounded by flowers inside the house, on the front and back porch and in the yard. Lula trusted Jesus as the hope of her salvation. In the late 1970’s, Lula joined Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries and remained a faithful and active member until her health prevented her from doing so. She “worked out her salvation” as a member of the Silver Saints Ministries. She loved the Silver Saints and took pride in being a member of the group when it was first established. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the leadership of Audrey Wright, she praised God through the ministry of Dance. The ladies ministered at Mount Pleasant. After a while, Audrey took that group of ladies on the road, praising God at a few different churches in Maryland. They even got to share their ministry in Washington, DC at one of those large Baptist conventions. For someone who did not have a driver’s license/car, Lula would get any and everywhere she wanted. She had family who would take her places. She made it to Silver Saints meetings on the church van, thanks to the faithful, committed drivers. She had a cadre of church sisters, who have preceded her in death, who used to pick her up to go shopping, eating, whatever suited their fancy. The Silver Saints could be considered road runners back in the day, as they traveled all over the place. She also enjoyed traveling to North Carolina to visit her relatives. She liked flying and loved going on cruises with family. Lula had a strong and feisty, yet loving, quiet encouraging personality. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy will continue. Her daughter Lorraine Greer (Lawrence Greer); son Johnny Ray Harper; grandson Johnny Ray Harper, Jr.; and nine siblings preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory: one daughter, Mary Blanton; seven grandchildren; Troy, Robin (Glenn), Terria (Keith), Lori (Surrendor), Darryl, Christian, and Cheyney; sixteen great-grand children Dante, Joseph, Ericka, Brandon, Kiana, Jeremy, Joshua, Jordan, Seth, Destiny, Candace, Damaris, Aaliyah, Javonte, Karter Rae, and John; eight great-great grandchildren Kayla, Dante, Carter, KiAndre, Nevaeh, Zion, Dynver and Kayden; two siblings Agnes Watkins and Fred Lee Midgette, one friend of 80 years, Mackeva King and a dear friend Mae Wellon since the beginning of the Silver Saints Ministry. and an abundance of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Processional Opening Hymn Scripture Prayer Selection Acknowledgement Of Condolences Solo Expressions Of Comfort Selection Obituary Sermon Benediction Recessional Order of Service
Family Memories
Family Memories
Family Memories
A Fallen Limb A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me, remember the best times, the laughter, the song. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through, my mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls. I miss you all dearly, so keep your chin up; Until the day comes we’re together again. Author Unknown
Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery Crownsville 1122 Sunrise Beach Rd. Crownsville, MD 21032 Pallbearers Family and Friends Flower Bearers Family and Friends Acknowledgements We praise God for the life of Lula Mae Harper. The family is thankful for the outpouring of love shown to us during our time of bereavement. Your prayers, cards, and many acts of kindness are greatly appreciated. A special heartfelt thanks to Bishop Johnson and the Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries family for the love you’ve shown to our family. May God Continue to bless and keep you. A very special thank you to those who served our mother in any way. To our friend, Annie Patillio, cousins Angela Jenkins and Yvonda Howard, thank you. Thank you to our supportive neighbors, in particular Jerome Brooks, Pauline Singletary and Dot Ford for the role they took on in providing help for our mother. A special thank you to K&J Event Planners and Consultants, for your professionalism and services. Repast Family will be receiving friends for a repast at Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries immediately following the service. Professional Services Entrusted to Vaughn Greene Funeral Services, P.A. East • 4905 York Road • 410-433-7500 Program Design Kenneth Russell 410-952-1654