John E Harper

29th, after a gradual decline in health. John was born in Greensboro,

Alabama to Henry Harper Jr. and Carrie Mae Sanders, and later they

moved to Cleveland, Ohio. John was baptized at Starlight Baptist Church

where both his parents served as deacon and deaconess in the church.

John attended Patrick Henry middle school and then went on to Glenville

High School, where in the 11th grade he made the decision to go and

serve his country. He became a private in the 8th Arm where he earned a

National Defense Medal.

In 1968 John met Donna Pickett and they were married in holy matrimony

on March 29, 1969. Out of this union they had two children, Lorraine

Harper and Lenard Harper. In addition, they also have four adopted

children, Joshua Harper, Christopher Harper, Malachi Harper and Danielle

Smith.

After serving in the army, John worked at Conrail Railroad from 1969-

1985 as a crane operator, after which he started Harper’s Trucking Company

where he did over the road driving until 2000 when he chose to retire.

John was preceded in death by his father Henry Harper Jr, mother, Carrie

Mae Harper, brothers Wilbert Harper and James Harper.

John is survived by his family and leaves to cherish his memory, to his

children, aunts Viola English, Sarah Bush, uncles Eddy Harper, Andrew

Harper, Roosevelt Harper and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends of the

family.