Retha Friedman Jasper

She was born in Norfolk, VA on June 8, 1931, and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1953 with a degree in social work. She married Lt. William Jacob Jasper in 1956, embarking on a 55-year marriage that took them all around the world.

She dedicated her life to community service, always working to improve the lives of those around her. She established the Household Assistance Program in 1967, and was instrumental in breaking down racial barriers in Wake County. A proud and active member of the Jewish community, she established the Jewish Family Services (formally known as Jewish Community Services) in 1985, spearheaded the annual Wake County Jewish Federation

Health Fair, as well as advocated for downtown Raleigh revitalization.

From 2006-2020, she was a beloved volunteer at the Rex Cancer Center, offering warm hugs and blankets to patients as they underwent treatment. In 2020, she received the Governor’s Award in recognition of her many years of community service in North Carolina, and was celebrated as one of the top 20 volunteers in the state.

She is survived by her two children: her son Warren Jasper and his wife Annette, and her daughter Noreen and her husband, Steven Berger; as well as four grandchildren: Justine and Carson Berger, and Samuel and Kyra Jasper.

Retha will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

May her memory be a blessing.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the Jasper family.