In loving memory of Doyle—

Your kind heart and charismatic spirit brought warmth and light to everyone around you.

We’ll never forget all the laughter we shared over so many meals together at the apartments in Burien, and at your and Estela’s home. Those moments—simple, joyful, and full of life—are memories we will always hold close.

And of course, your love for chocolate cake… a sweet reminder of how you embraced life’s little joys so fully.

Our heartfelt condolences to all of Doyle’s family, and especially to Estela, who we love so much. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

You are deeply missed, Doyle, and forever remembered with so much love.

With love,  
Dulce, Johnny, Lili, and Alejandro

I am struggling to put into words how painful Doyle's passing has been. So instead, I'd like to remember the wonderful person he was. To me and so many. When I came to Mount Rainier HS, he was the very first person to greet me and welcome me to the building. That first day, I watched how much the students loved him. He knew their names and spoke to them with so much care. I asked him, can I stand next to you? He said of course. I knew then that he was special. From that point on, we were thick as thieves. We were work besties! The way he welcomed me into his life was like I'd known him forever. One thing about Doyle and I, was we laughed! We laughed and laughed to the point where we used to tease each other about peeing our pants. That is what I will always remember. His laughter. His smile. And his immense love for Estella and his family. He was truly a once in a million person. And I am grateful for the time we had with him and the impact that he made in our lives. He will never be forgotten. I miss you Doyle ❤️

Doyle was an amazing, warm, transparent and funny person. His life stories would have me on edge. I told him he needed to write a book. My heart dropped upon hearing of his sudden passing. Working with him was a joy and we remained friends after he left. Estella, his widow was his JOY. Prayers for comfort to all who knew him and are missing his presence

From the first day, I met him we clicked. I never met a person with such a generous heart, soft soul, and strong perseverance. He made me laugh in way I never laughed in my whole life. We worked together and after he left to pursue his own dream, we continued our friendship outside of work amongst other friends. I have so many memories of him making me laugh, and one I will never forget is when he used to walk into the attendance office singing with his fingers up in the air “ its the sound of the police.” with his security gear on. This man always seemed so happy and positive. I was just going through my voicemails on my phone three months ago and for some reason I just kept his. And I’m so glad I did. I listened to them the other day and smiled cause he just made me laugh.  He also introduced me to his wonderful wife, Estella, who I adore!!!! So sweet, so tender, and so beautiful.  He loved her, and I cannot imagine the grief and pain that she has right now while also trying to remain strong. I’m thinking of you Estella and sending you a really strong warm hug.  My condolences to everyone who knew him. Like they say down south “he was good people”.   We’ve lost a great one.😢💕

Tu partida de este mundo nos ha pegado muy fuerte sin embargo, nos da esperanza y aumenta nuestra fe el saber que tú estás en el Reino, a un lado del creador y desde ahí ves por todos y especialmente eres un ángel guardián para Estelita. 
Siempre recordaremos tus pláticas interesantes, tus risas y carcajadas. Doyle, gracias por traernos buenos momentos, por creer en el amor, por ser un ejemplo para muchos y gracias por tu alegría. Tu, y Estelita, son un ejemplo de fe! Su amor hizo y sigue haciendo muchos milagros. Doyle, hermano, ya eres mexicano! Te queremos!

I am having difficulty putting into words the emotions that come with losing a truly special person in mine and my daughter’s life. He became the Daddy she never had, the one she truly deserved. He and I shared the same birthday and always no matter where in the world we may be wished each other happy birthday. We went through our ups and downs together, yet our love for each other remained constant. While words may be hard to find, today will be a celebration of a remarkable individual whose influence was felt by many, most notably my daughter and myself. RIH Mr. Doyle Jay Harper, I Love You 🤍✝️🕊️

Doyle and I shared a chapter of life many years ago, when we were both young and finding our way. Though our paths went in different directions, I’m grateful to have known him and to hear that he found happiness and peace. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.

At the time, a small group of us—Black and Brown educators in the building—naturally found our way to each other. We used to call ourselves the “Black Panthers,” just moving through the space with pride, unity, and a shared understanding of what it meant to show up for our students and for each other. That’s really where my connection with Mr. Harper began.

We spent a lot of time tag-teaming some of the more difficult situations in the building—student escalations, tense moments, all of it. And through every situation, he just had this way of showing up calm, grounded, and full of care. He didn’t just handle situations—he took care of people.

Over time, that working relationship turned into something more meaningful. I had the chance to meet his beautiful wife, Estella, and get a glimpse of who he was outside of school. He carried that same warmth everywhere—just full of kindness, humility, and that Southern hospitality kind of love.

If you knew Mr. Harper, you knew how genuine he was. The way he cared for people wasn’t for show—it was just who he was.
Love you Mr. Harper you will be dearly missed

I had the honor of knowing Doyle, though I always knew him as Mr. Harper.

We met at Destiny Middle School, where he was part of the security and safety team—but honestly, he was so much more than that. He was a mentor, a steady presence, and really a father figure to so many of our students.

He’s going to be deeply missed. Truly.

You weren't just "like" a father to me, you stepped in and loved me with an unconditional love that only a daddy can give. Through all your struggles, all your pain you still carried such a great joy and deep love within you. You loved me when I needed a daddy the most and as I got much older you helped me navigate many demons that I wrestled with. A large part of who I am today is owed to you! Your bright smile, soul healing hugs, great words of wisdom and deep love will be dearly missed. Thank you for loving me and bringing such beauty to this world with your incredible and joyful spirit! How saddened I am to never hear the words "I love you Baby girl" again but oh how I rejoice that your are finally at rest in the arms of our sweet savior Jesus Christ! I love you daddy!

To Kim T. Cole we are praying for your beautiful family in this time of grief and sorrow. You have been such a blissing to our family and spoke so highly of your brother and we are here for you always. Our condolences from Tamara, Joe and Naiel Pleasant. Psalm 25:16-17 - Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.  Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish.

My condolences to the family!! I remember him always being nice to me. Definitely one of the good guys . sending love and prayers 💕🙏🏽

If time could rewind, would I stop and ask a stranger 

If time could rewind…
would I stop and ask a stranger for help with a business matter?

I don’t know.
But after what I know now…
I pray I would say yes.

Because that “stranger”
became my brutha.
My trusted friend.

Two souls…
brought together by a shared calling—
to protect others,
and to walk in the love of the Most High.

In a world where right is often called wrong…
and wrong is called right…
we stood on righteousness.

And no matter what came our way…
we believed we would be okay.

Not because we were so great…
but because the Most High is faithful…
and merciful.

One memory that stays with me—
and there are many—
is how we would meet every day
in his mobile patrol.

Talking about business…
talking about life…
and just enjoying each other’s company.

And in those moments, he would say to me…
“You’ve given me the freedom I always dreamed of.”
It took me some time…
to truly understand what he meant.

But now I do.

When two hearts are aligned in faith…
nothing is impossible.

Our daily Bible studies…
our conversations about where we came from…
and where we were being led…
those moments were powerful.

They were a blessing.

And by grace…
my heart is filled with gratitude
for having known such a beautiful soul.

My friend.
My brutha. 

Though absent from our sight,
you remain present in our hearts.

We rejoice knowing
to be absent from the body
is to be present with the Lord.

Rest in heavenly peace,
until we meet again.

Respectfully in loving memory of my brutha and friend

Mr. Doyle Jay Harper

On behalf of Dr. Ronnie Goines and the Koinonia Christian Church, we offer our most sincere condolences on the passing of Doyle, the son of our dear member, Joyce Harper.

We are grateful to be here to support the family. 

Psalm 34:18
New International Version
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Chaplains Harold & Maya Williams, Pastoral Care

OBITUARY

Doyle Jay Harper

August 13, 1964 – April 15, 2026

M. J. Edwards Whitehaven Funeral Chapel

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