Bobbie Jean Harper was born on October 6, 1944, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, to Henry and Helen Kelley. She was the third of their children and grew up in a home filled with love and faith. Bobbie and her family were active members of Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where she gave her life to Christ and was baptized. Her faith and love for the Lord remained central throughout her life, and she served diligently in various church ministries.
Bobbie graduated from Douglas High School in 1962 and later attended Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas. After completing her education, she returned to Sulphur Springs, where she met Lyndoll Harper (deceased), the love of her life. On July 25, 1964, Bobbie and Lyndoll were united in marriage, embarking on a 54-year journey of love, partnership, and family. Together, they raised two daughters, Rhonda and Yolanda “Lynn,” and later relocated to Dallas in 1968.
In Dallas, Bobbie worked at Texas Instruments, where she retired after many years of service. After retirement, she continued to serve others, working as the church secretary at Third Avenue Missionary Baptist Church and as a secretary at Good Street Childcare.
Bobbie’s love for God was evident in every aspect of her life. She was an active member of Community First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor C.H. Gerald, and later united with Third Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, where she worshiped under Pastors L.G.J. Jackson, Michael D. Pryor, and Gaylon Wright. Because of her love for Christian education, she was a graduate of Southern Bible Institute, class of 2008.
A gifted singer, Bobbie, alongside her sister Betty Gray, traveled to many churches throughout Dallas, sharing her love for the Lord through song. This ministry also included their children—Rhonda, Lynn, Xavier, and Eduardo—who joined in this musical journey, strengthening the bond of family and faith which led to connecting with our cousin Phiebie.
Bobbie Jean’s home was always a place of love and laughter. Though the two-bedroom, one bath house was small, it became a haven over the years for family and friends alike. During this time, she became the beloved “Miss Bobbie” to Maria, Quincy, Michael, and Lester. It was nothing but the grace of God that she was able to provide kindness, nourishment, and comfort to all who crossed her doorstep.
Bobbie leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by:
· Daughter, Rhonda, and grandchildren TaRhonda, Derrhon “Josh,” and great-grandchildren Ariah, Skylar, Mason, and Alania
· Daughter, Yolanda “Lynn” (Undray Moore) and grandchild Jeanera, with great-grandchild Jeremiah
· Daughter, Sandra (Dickson Adu Adjei), and grandchildren Mandrale (Schakerra), Amina (Armond), Stephen, and great-grandchildren Jamel, Javon, Isaiah, Deja, Malia, Rehema, and Raheem
· Son, Quincy (Belvis), and grandchild Jacob (Alexis) and great-grandchild Joshua
· Son, Christopher “Michael”, and grandchildren Summer, Christian, Shaun, and Brooklyn
· Son, Lester, and grandchildren Ashton, Malcolm, Sidney, and great-grandchild Noah
· Sister, Sarah Kelley, and a host of loving and devoted nephews, nieces, cousins, church family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings, Betty, Henry Jr. and Ronny.
