Toni Marlene Harper

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Toni Marlene Lopez Harper on June 28, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family. Toni was born on August 18, 1953, in Waycross, Georgia. She was raised by her parents, Doris Kate Gillis Lopez Young and Benjamin Benito Lopez, and later stepfather Chester Young after the untimely passing of her father when she was a child.

Toni leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, survived by her devoted husband of 47 years, Alan Edward Harper. They met at Christian Youth Ranch in Forest Park as teenagers. While their lives separated for a few years, they reconnected as young adults, fell in love, and married on May 5, 1979. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising their cherished children, Matthew Edward Harper, Jamie Harper Mason and Benjamin Thomas Harper. Toni was an unforgettable “Mimi” to her granddaughters: Mallory Kate Mason, Carley Marie Mason, Olivia Grace Harper, Layla Kathryn Mason, and Jordyn Audrey Mason. Her family was her pride and joy, and her love for them knew no bounds.

In addition to her husband, children, and grandchildren, Toni is survived by her siblings Charlotte Barton (William Barton), Benjamin Lopez (Rebecca Lopez), Donna Cates, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were touched by her warmth and kindness. She is predeceased by her dear son, Matthew Edward Harper, whose memory she carried close to her heart.

Toni's life was enriched by her strong faith in Christ and dedication to her community. A proud graduate of Forest Park High School in 1971, she later attended Florida Bible College and Liberty University. A gifted vocalist, she toured the world with the Liberty University Choir, sharing her gift of song. Her career in the judicial system culminated in her retirement in 2018 as a distinguished employee of the 11th Circuit United States Court of Appeals in Atlanta.

Toni accepted Christ as her savior as a teenager at Christian Youth Ranch in Forest Park. This was the beginning of a lifelong desire to share her faith with others, and serve the Lord in every area of her life. She was an active member of Bethany Baptist Church for over 30 years. Toni found joy in volunteering with Shining Light Ministries, a recovery home for women, where her compassion and empathy shone brightly.

Toni was a woman of many talents and interests. She found peace in the pages of a good book, solace in the beauty of nature and fishing, and joy in singing and cooking. Her true happiness, however, was found in the fellowship of friends and family, with whom she shared countless cherished moments.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Toni remember her as an honest, sincere, and genuine soul, always gracing others with her warm smile. She was a great friend, a loving mother, a doting Mimi, and an exceptional wife, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her.

Though she is no longer with us, Toni's spirit will forever live on in the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the memories we hold dear. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she so generously shared in this life.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm - 7:00pm on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Haisten Funerals & Cremations in McDonough, GA.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, July 3, 2026 at Bethany Baptist Church, 4 N Bethany Rd, McDonough, GA.

Interment will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park, 640 McGarity Rd, McDonough, GA 30252.