Name: Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home
Address: Brunswick, GA

Link to Pictures shown at reception.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200481441585544.2205330.1442379238&type=1&l=4a59da8575

Jan Sutherlin Lane Harper, age 72, died on January 16, 2013, at Hospice of the Golden Isles.

Mrs. Harper was born on April 2, 1940, in LaGrange, Georgia, the daughter of C.W. and Imogene Thompson Sutherlin. She was a graduate of LaGrange College, 1961, bachelor of arts degrees in Organ and English; and University of Georgia, 1979, master of arts in Journalism. 

The first of her two professional careers spanned more than two decades of service in public relations. Most of those years were dedicated to work in Glynn County Schools as Director of Public Information and Publications as well as Director of Grant Writing and Research. Early in her tenure she instituted the award-winning Glynn County Schools Calendar, which provided key information to teachers, parents, and the community about events and activities. Mrs. Harper also worked as a contributor to various professional and commercial publications and taught as an adjunct professor of English at Brunswick College. Her columns in Splash! magazine about her favorite Aunt Rufus were local favorites; her travel articles in Elegant Island Living and Golden Isles Magazine were widely read and appreciated for their anecdotal and factual descriptions of her travel adventures, such as paragliding and zip lining.

Her professional contributions were recognized throughout her journalism career. Mrs. Harper was cited in Marquis Who's Who annually and was the recipient of seven Golden Achievement Awards from the National School Public Relations Association, an organization where she was elected to several positions of leadership.  She was presented with the Distinguished Service Award and the Award of Excellence and Merit from the Georgia School Public Relations Association 

Concurrent with her school system career, she also served as organist at St. Simons United Methodist Church for over 30 years. She was especially proud of being the co-founder of the community-wide Messiah Chorus. For over 25 years in December, her place was on the organ bench, providing accompaniment to the Messiah chorus for rehearsals and performance.

Mrs. Harper was deeply connected to the Glynn County community in many ways, volunteering to serve on local charitable organization boards and to work on fundraising or public relations.  Her time was unselfishly given to the American Cancer Society, the Chamber of Commerce, Golden Isles Arts and Humanities, Mozart Society, Jekyll Island Music Theatre, YWCA of Glynn County, and Coastal Georgia Historical Society. Her most recent contribution was as a founding and continuing board member of the Auxiliary for the Hospice of the Golden Isles. 

Her passions were her husband, John, (fellow lover of music and travel), social bridge, fine wine, her giraffe collection, St. Simons United Methodist Choir, her family and friends, and life itself.

She is survived by her husband of 23 years, John Fitch Harper, and two children:  David Alan Lane (Shirley), Snellville, GA, Jennifer Ruth Lane, Ojo Sarco, NM; step daughters: Sarah Parker (Alan), Murfreesboro, TN and Amy Barrett (Scott) of Peachtree Corners, GA; ten grandchildren: Will, Kate, and Luke, Murfreesboro, TN; Benjamin, Wesley, Elizabeth, and Matthew, Peachtree Corners, GA; Shaun Brooks (Jessica), El Paso, TX; Devina Cashion-Patterson (Will), Bethlehem, GA; Tony Crecelius (Christine), Dacula, GA; and beloved great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, at St. Simons Island United Methodist Church, followed by a reception in the Thorpe Building. The Reverends Marcia Cochran and Felix Haynes will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to St. Simons United Methodist Church, 624 Ocean Blvd, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 or Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525.

Dear John and family,
I have known jan a long time thru the school system.  She was a special lady.  Our deepest sympathy.  You are in our prayers.  
Love, Wiley and Mary Younce  and family

OBITUARY

Janet Harper

2 April, 1940 – 16 January, 2013

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home

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