Dr. Jo Neighbors Harper, 84, passed away on March 18, 2020 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born June 21, 1935 in Gravelly, Arkansas to Robert Preston and Beatrice May Neighbors. Jo Harper is survived by her son, Dr. Mitchell R. Harper and wife Robin of Fort Smith; her daughter, Kimberly Jo White and her husband Brad of Harlingen, Texas; grandchildren, William B. Reynolds, Sarah Jo Reynolds, John Harper Reynolds, Elizabeth Harper Henderson, Chandler R. Harper, Blake White and Sarah White; nephews and nieces, Ross Griggs, Debbie Verdon, Patti Steinmetz, Peggy Duncan, and Dana Parker. She was very close to cousins, Dorotha Austin and Douglas Potter. She was preceded in death by her husband, Judge W. R. “Bud” Harper; and grandson, Jeremy Harper.
Jo graduated from Fourche Valley High School, in Yell County, where she was basketball team captain, homecoming queen and valedictorian. She received her Bachelors of Business Education in 1957 from Arkansas Tech University and her Doctor of Education, in 1987, from the University of Arkansas.
She began her career in education in 1959, at Van Buren High School, where she taught for many years. She was Senior Class Sponsor, began the Miss Van Buren Beauty Pageant, introduced the first computers into the curriculum, founded the FBLA chapter, and implemented the Cooperative Office Education Program. Jo blazed new paths for women during her 34 years in education. She was the first female high school principle in Sebastian County at Mansfield High School. She was appointed by governors to several positions including the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission, the Advisory Council on Education for Gifted and Talented Children, and the Workforce Development Commission. Her community service included PEO Chapter J, President of the Community Services Clearinghouse Board, Girls Club Board, Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Committee, Community Rescue Board of Directors, Leadership Fort Smith Alumni Board of Directors, Lincoln Childcare Board President, Head Start Board of Directors, Project Compassion Board and Arkansas Tech University Advisory Board.
Dr. Harper was inducted into the Arkansas Tech University Hall of Distinction honoring her career success and community service. She was named “Woman of Distinction” by the Girl Scout Council, and she received Mayor Baker’s “Spirit of the Frontier” award.
Jo was a devoted Christian who was very actively involved and loved her church, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. She served in a multitude of capacities and was Church Council president twice.
Beyond her many career accomplishments, she was more importantly a loving wife and mother.
Due to the Coronavirus situation, a private burial was held on Saturday, and a memorial service will be at a later date. Memorials can be sent to Arkansas Tech University Bud and Jo Harper Scholarship Fund, 1509 Boulder Avenue, #210, Russellville, AR 72801.
Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
