Wilma Jean Harper

Jean was born on March 29, 1935, to parents Vi and Percy Bergquist. She was a member of the Colorado Springs High School Class of 1953 and cherished her upbringing in Colorado, where she enjoyed snowy adventures with family and friends. Following high school, she married the love of her life, Harry, and moved across the country to his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Together, they built their family home on Chickamauga Lake – a home filled with love and laughter, a gathering place for family and friends, and a capsule of treasured memories. In addition to the joy she found in raising her family, Jean worked at JCPenney and H&R Block and was also an entrepreneur through her wallpaper and drapery businesses.

Jean’s true creative passion, however, was found in crafting beautiful porcelain dolls through her business, Mi Dolls by Jeannie, which showcased her artistry and attention to detail. The hundreds of dolls she created continue to delight people across the country.

There was nothing Jean couldn’t do. She made the best biscuits you have ever tasted; refinished and upholstered furniture; created elegant flower arrangements; painted porcelain; sewed curtains; hung wallpaper; and even drove a box van to her doll shows. Jean loved wearing lots of jewelry, decorating her home, hunting for shells on the beach (so many shells), shopping at TJ Maxx, collecting antiques, long phone conversations, working in the yard, and hosting ginormous garage sales.

At the heart of Jean’s life was her marriage to Harry, a story of true love and partnership marked by warmth, generosity, and a shared joy of bringing people together. They were known for throwing fabulous parties, including hosting the neighborhood in their driveway to watch the 1969 moon landing. She was a dedicated mother who went above and beyond—sewing amazing Halloween costumes, cooking for all the neighborhood kids, and hosting fun-filled days at the lake; a loving grandmother who created magical Christmases and gave excellent life advice; and a loyal sister and friend, always there when she was needed.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry Harper; her mother and father, Vi and Percy Bergquist; and her devoted stepfather, James Mullens.

She is survived by children Larry (Sheila) Harper, Barri (Elaine) Harper, of Chattanooga, TN, and Jennifer (Terry) Ogle of Clemson, SC; grandchildren Desiree Harper, Rachel Hall, Spencer Harper, Samuel Ogle, Emma Ogle, and Isabel Harper; sister Betty Jo Shook, brother Dean Moxley, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be held on Sunday February 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM, with visitation preceding from 3:00-5:00 PM, at the Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, 5401 TN-153, Hixson, TN.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com