Loretta Armentrout Harper

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Jim Harper; her son, Jay C. Harper (Kristen); granddaughter, Hazel Harper; brother, Jay Armentrout, Jr. (Pat); sister, Carolyn Alexander; nieces, Nicol Reed and Natalie Kellner (Craig), and, April Roberts (Scott); nephew, Bryan Armentrout (Sonya); best friend, Judy Kelly. She is also survived by numerous friends and relatives.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jay H. Armentrout, Sr. and Hazel P. Armentrout.

Loretta's early years were in the Sulphur Springs community near Jonesborough, Tennessee where she was very active in the 4H Club. She learned the value of hard work and respect on the family dairy farm. Loretta earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Tennessee and a master's degree in education from Austin Peay University, graduating with honors. She taught in Metro Nashville Public Schools for 33 years, most of that time at Goodlettsville Elementary School.

She was a wonderful, loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved friends, Diet Coke, flowers, and making her special spaghetti sauce for family. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and extended family in East Tennessee.

She fought medical problems valiantly for several months prior to her passing.

A private graveside service will be at Fairview Cemetery in Jonesborough, Tennessee.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestLawnFuneral-Goodlettsville.com for the Harper family.