Mary Elizabeth Stephenson Harper, 92, went to be with her Lord on July 29, 2016. She was born in Franklin County, Georgia, to Henry K. Stephenson and Irene Bailey Stephenson on October 29, 1923. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 71 years, Ralph L. Harper, Sr., her oldest son, Ralph Harper, Jr., 6 brothers and one sister.

Elizabeth is survived by her son, James S. Harper (Janice), her daughter Mary Carolyn Wilson (Steve), daughter-in-law Patsy S. Harper, nine grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one brother, Brandon Stephenson (Shirley). She is also survived by brothers-in-law Charles Harper (Claudette), Frank Harper, and sisters-in-law, Jean Stephenson and Faye Harper.

A committed Christian, Elizabeth attended Towaliga Baptist Church and served as their WMU director for 25 years. She will be remembered for her love of God, her great devotion to family, and her faithfulness to her friends. Her hospitality and superb Southern cooking were beyond compare. In 2007, she moved to Melbourne to be near family as her health declined.

Funeral services for Elizabeth Harper will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Towaliga Baptist Church in Jackson, Georgia. Dr. Scott Wilson, her grandson, will officiate with interment in the church cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made in her memory to the Towaliga Baptist Church building fund or cemetery fund, P.O. Box 674, Jackson, GA 30233.

The Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home, 212 East College Street, Jackson, GA, is serving the Harper family.