Jean Marie Harper

Jean Marie Harper, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 71.

Born on July 9, 1953, in Oklahoma City to Leroy and Jean Householder, Jean’s life was filled with love, service, and a deep devotion to her family and community. She graduated from Putnam City West High School and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO).

In 1975, Jean married the love of her life, Kent Harper. The two were married on July 31 and shared nearly 50 wonderful years together, building a life centered around faith, family, and hard work.

Jean was a co-owner and manager of the family business, Harper Properties, and also contributed meaningfully through her work with Big 5 Community Services. She was an active member of her community, holding memberships in the Italian Club, the Sooner Club at the University of Oklahoma, and the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Her heart for service was also seen in her volunteer work with church youth groups, where she impacted the lives of many young people.

Jean had a zest for life and a spirited love for sports, particularly OU Football and women’s softball. She traveled often to cheer on her favorite teams and was known for her unwavering school spirit. At home, she found joy in cooking, listening to music for hours, and playing games on her cell phone—activities that were always accompanied by laughter and the warmth of her presence.

Above all, Jean cherished her role as a grandmother. Her love for her grandchildren was boundless, and she treasured every moment spent with her family. Her legacy of kindness, humor, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Kent Harper; Sons, Clark and Chris Harper; Grandchildren, Reed, Sienna, and Kennedy; And siblings, Scott and Rick Householder.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Jean Householder; As well as her sister, Tanya Sue.

A visitation for Jean will be held on Thursday, May 29th, 2025 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, May 30th, 2025 at Memorial Park’s Historic Cemetery Chapel with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

It’s optional, but not required, for all to wear OU sports garb or colors in honor of Jean’s love for Oklahoma University.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donation be made in Jean’s honor to the University of Oklahoma’s Sooner Club or its Alumni Foundation.