Deacon Jimmie Pearl Harper

Harper ~ Jimmie Pearl Harper was born on April 23, 1932, in Tyler, Florida, to the late Rossie Baity and Ora Lee Hill. As the eldest of nine siblings, she embraced responsibility, compassion, and leadership from an early age. She received her education in the Duval County public school system and was a proud graduate of Old Stanton High School, Class of 1951.

Mrs. Harper continued her educational journey at Bethune-Cookman College (now Bethune-Cookman University), where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education in 1960. She often spoke with great pride of having “walked the hallowed ground” while Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune still served as president of the institution. Her commitment to learning and excellence later led her to earn a master’s degree in Elementary Education and Gifted Education from Nova Southeastern University.

A devoted educator and servant leader, Mrs. Harper dedicated more than three decades to shaping young minds within the Duval County Public School system. Her teaching career began at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School, where she faithfully taught third grade for nine years. During the desegregation transfer of 1969, she was assigned to Holiday Hill Elementary School, where she continued teaching third grade. She later taught second grade at Harbor View Elementary School before returning to Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School as a sixth-grade teacher, where she served for more than fourteen years.

Throughout her distinguished career in education, Mrs. Harper held numerous leadership positions, including Assistant Principal, Mathematics Department Chairperson, Curriculum Resource Teacher, Computer Program Coordinator, Accreditation Committee Chairperson, and Project EDGE Lead Teacher at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School. She also served as a Peer Teacher, Certified Observer for the Beginning Teacher Program, and mentor to countless educators and students whose lives were enriched by her wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering dedication.

Her influence extended far beyond the classroom. Mrs. Harper faithfully sponsored and supported a variety of student organizations and educational initiatives throughout the schools where she served, including the Blue Triangle Club, Girl Scouts, Safety Patrol, Chorus and Band Booster Club, Reading and Math Tutorial Programs, PTA leadership, and the Teachers of Tomorrow Club. Through her tireless commitment to education and youth development, she inspired generations of students to pursue excellence, confidence, and lifelong learning.

Even after retirement, Mrs. Harper’s passion for serving others continued. She volunteered her time and talents at several schools, including Ribault Middle School, William M. Raines High School, where she served as a financial aid advisor for graduating seniors, and Sallye B. Mathis Elementary School as a reading tutor. 

Mrs. Harper was a proud and faithful Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and was honored as a Silver Star member, recognizing more than thirty-eight years of continuous and uninterrupted service. She was also a devoted alumna of Bethune-Cookman University, where she actively served in the alumni association dedicating her time to supporting and encouraging students in their educational pursuits.

She also found joy in fellowship and community through organizations such as the Red Hat Society, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Silhouettes and serving as the secretary of the Old Stanton Class of 1951 alumni. Her life was defined by service, excellence, sisterhood, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting and empowering others.

A devoted member of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church for nearly seventy years, Mrs. Harper faithfully served in numerous ministries, including the Young Adult Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Diaconate Ministry, Married Couples Ministry, and the Living Faith Sunday School Class. She also helped establish the One Accord Investment Club. Her faith in God guided every aspect of her life, and she found great joy in serving her church, her family, and her community. She and her beloved husband, Harvey, served as chairs of the church anniversary committee, including during the historic 140th anniversary celebration when the church was officially placed on the National Historic Registry. Her faith in God guided every aspect of her life, and she found great joy in serving her church, her family, and her community.

After a brief illness, Mrs. Jimmie Pearl Harper, age 94, peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Mrs. Harper was preceded in death by her daughter, Joyce Harper Quiller. She leaves to cherish her precious memories and enduring legacy, her devoted husband of sixty-seven years, Harvey J. Harper; daughters, Beverly Harper and Dr. Heather Carter (Dr. Martin); son, James Ellis (Michelle); grandchildren, Jamese Mitchell, Jaschelle Ellis-Thomas (Davarus), James Ellis Jr., Martin Carter Jr. (Jeanette), Nicholas Carter (Zharia), Alanna Carter; great-grandchildren, Jaydin Mitchell, Jazzmin Mitchell, Niyah Carter, Nevaeh Carter, Josiah Thomas; brothers, Robert Hill (Lorrine), Rogers Hill (Patsy), Rev. Terry Hill (Debora), Rubin Hill (Louise); sisters, Willie Pearl Blackwell, Robbie Hansley (Alvin), Darlene Downing (Cecil); first cousin, Hazel Lee Waters (Curtis); her adopted daughter, Thelecia Wilson; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members, cherished friends, former students, and loved ones whose lives were forever touched by her grace, wisdom, kindness, and love.

Mrs. Harper’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, family, education, and service. Her legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives she inspired, the students she nurtured, the family she cherished, and the community she faithfully served.

Celebration of Life service for Mrs. Jimmie Pearl Harper will be 10:00AM Friday, May 15, 2026, at The Bethel Church.  Visitation Thursday from 5 – 7:00 PM at The Church. Interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery. Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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