Cora L. Harper

February 13, 1929 – October 18, 2025

Cora L. Nelson Fly Harper was born on February 13, 1929, in the Mississippi Delta in the rural community of Como, to Elisha and Lucille Edwards Nelson. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at the age of 12 at Simon Chapel No. 1 and later united with Batestown First Baptist Church.

Cora married Joseph George M. Fly on March 24, 1951, in Evansville, Indiana. To this union, one son, Darrell Glen Fly, was born. Later, on October 5, 1968, she married Ural E. Harper in Danville, Illinois. Though no children were born to this second union, Cora and Ural shared many years together.

Cora was a proud graduate of Danville High School and continued her education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, Bramwell Business College in Evansville, Indiana, and Highland Junior College in Freeport, Illinois.

Her professional journey began with the Illinois Bell Telephone Company, and she ultimately retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in San Antonio, Texas. Cora was a trailblazer in her field, becoming the first African American service representative in the open office concept at Illinois Bell in Danville. Upon moving to San Antonio, she made history again as the first Black teller at the company’s Greeter Office at 105 Auditorium Circle. Her career culminated with her promotion to manager in the finance department, a role she held for nine years.

Cora’s life was marked by her leadership and dedication to her community. During her senior year at Danville High School, she was crowned queen of the Phyllis Wheatley Girls Club. She was also elected president of the Junior Auxiliary to the Laura Lee Fellowship House and served as chairperson for the 1970 Emerald Ball, the first-ever Black Debutante Ball in Danville. This event provided an important opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to engage in constructive, enriching activities. In 1971, while at George Air Force Base, Cora was named Volunteer of the Month for her outstanding service in the Family Service Program.

After moving to San Antonio, Cora’s passion for service continued to flourish. She became a dedicated volunteer at the Carver Community Cultural Center, where she later directed the Heritage Garden. She was also a former member of the Bowden Chapter of the Business and Professional Women's Club and served on the board of the San Antonio Botanical Garden Society for nine years. In 1994, Cora received the prestigious Community Volunteer Award from JC Penney, and she was recognized by the Salvation Army for her work with the “Dress the Doll” program.

In her church life, Cora was a devoted servant. She worked in various capacities at each church she attended, with Sunday School being her true passion. Over the years, she served as a Sunday School teacher, delegate to the Sunday School and B.T.U. Congress, mission worker, member of the Mother’s Ministry, Recording Secretary for business and finance meetings, Vacation Bible School director, and a member of the choir at Liberty Baptist Church in Evansville, Indiana.

In addition to her volunteer work and church service, Cora had a deep love for gardening, reading, and traveling. She was a vibrant, inspiring presence to all who knew her, and her legacy of service, kindness, and leadership will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the communities she touched.