Shirley Mae Hart Harper
4/14/1934 - 4/11/2025
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Obituary For Shirley Mae Hart Harper
On April 11, 2025, Shirley Harper entered God’s Promise of peace and eternal life.
Life’s Journey Began: Shirley Hart Harper was born on April 14, 1934, to Willie and Leizanna Hart Sr. in a community called Liberty Hill, located in the North Area off Montague Avenue. She was one of seven children, three of whom preceded her in death.
As a young girl, Shirley attended and graduated from Avery Institute, the first accredited secondary school for African Americans in Charleston. Upon completing her education, she was united in marriage to the late Rev. Isiah Harper Sr. To this union, five children were born.
Shirley was employed by the Charleston County School System, working in the cafeteria at Murray Hill Elementary School. Shirley also worked at Mrs. Nora’s Sweet Shop. She also contributed to the arts and crafts programs at the Mary Ford Afterschool Program and the Murray Hill Senior Program.
A Time to Serve: She was raised in Charity Baptist Church and later became a devoted member of New Zion R.M.U.E. Church. There, she served faithfully in many ministries, these included the Kitchen Committee, Minister Wives Alliance, Usher Board #1, Union #5 Usher Board, the Pastor’s Aide Board, Missionary Board, and the Senior Conference & Auxiliary Board. She also chaired the Annual Tea for the months of April, May, and June. Shirley had a special talent for organizing plays for church events and was affectionately known as “The Poem Lady” for her gift of selecting and reciting poems at various programs.
In addition to her service and dedication to others, Shirley was also well known for her creative talents. She lovingly crafted crochet blankets, decorative toilet tissue holders, and intricate cross-stitch pieces that were admired as works of art. She was equally remembered for her unique and delicious homemade cakes, including her famous Pork N Bean Cake, Fruit Cake, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, and 7Up Cake. Her butter beans and okra dish were also a family favorite, often requested and always enjoyed. These special creations brought joy to her loved ones and were cherished by many throughout the community.
Preceding her in death: She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Isiah Harper Sr.; her father and mother, Willie and Leizanna Hart; her brothers, Harvey Hart, Nathaniel (the late Rosabell) Hart Sr., and Kenneth Hart; and her sister-in-law, Altomae Hart.
A Time to Mourn: She leaves to cherish her memories, her siblings: Samuel Hart Sr., Willie (Bernice) Hart Jr., and Jocelyn (Danny) Hamilton. Her children: COL (ret) Rev. Isiah (Wanda) Harper Jr., Anita (Anthony) Gilliard, Toni James, Grayling (Stella) Harper, and Steffon (Karen) Harper. Her uncle, Cornelius (Valinda), Frederick, and aunt, Geneva Washington. Extended families include Felicia and Nicos Alston, Casdell and Chenette Singleton, and Shelly Cleckley.
Shirley is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: La Kristal (Wyndell) Wilson, Isiah Harper III, Mami Harper, Toni Reeves, Warner Harper, Allegra Gaines, Jasmine (Kevin) Martin, La Cherie James, Niasha Harper, Jamal Harper, Steffanie Harper, Josiah Harper, and Kamren Harper. Great-grandchildren: Bradley Scottie Thompson Jr., Norman Glasgow Jr., Addison Reeves, Desmond Reeves III, Kara Martin, Zhuri Harper, Grayling Javon Harper, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends who will miss her dearly. Despite our immense love, God cancelled all her earthly plans, to fulfill His will and took her from labor to reward.
INFORMAL VISITATION
Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, The Low Country Mortuary
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Friday, April 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM, New Zion RMUE Church
INTERMENT
New Zion RMUE Cemetery
Program
Services
Visitation
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Funeral Service
11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Interment
01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Photos & Video
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Tributes
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Dorothy D Pennywell sent The Peace Lily for Shirley Mae Hart Harper - 04/17/2025
With our heartfelt sympathy. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Jimmie and Dorothy Pennywell
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Patricia Ikponmwosa sent Pink Tribute Spray for Shirley Mae Hart Harper - 04/17/2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ms.Toni/family! May mom soul rest in peace (Amen). Love, Patsy Ikponmwosa/Irene Walker
Condolences
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04/19/2025
My Sincere Condolences and Prayers To The Family. She is A Wonderful Woman of GOD. A Wonderful Woman on The Usher Union #5. She will Truly be Missed. SIP. Queen 😇❤️. Wilhelmina ( Willa) Tisdale. Marysville WA
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04/17/2025
I remember her smile and her jolly laughter. May your memories comfort you. Another Murray Hill mom got her wings. Sincerely, Cheryl Fordham Wilson
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04/17/2025
I remember Mother Harper as a quiet spirit who truly loves her children She always greeted me with a smile Even in her last days she was just a sweet and kind lady She will be missed
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04/16/2025
Faith tells us that it may be the end of something beautiful...but it's also the beginning of something glorious! Mourning with you, praying for you, and rejoicing that a beloved soul is now at peace. – "Melvina Young" Debra Simmons and Family
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04/15/2025
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family during this difficult time!! Take your rest Shirley Harper. You will be missed!!🙏❤️❤️
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04/14/2025
Deepest sympathy and condolences for the Harper family. My prayers are with you all during this time. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal 🙏🙏🙏
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04/14/2025
Oh!! Mrs.Harper you gained your wings. My sweet buddy I'm going to miss you. Take your rest sweetheart. Love you always.
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04/14/2025
My dear sister, I will love and miss you forever.
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04/14/2025
To my family, my deepest condolences to you. Just know auntie Shirley is up in heaven with auntie Leesanna. I'm going to miss our conversations and I will never forget my auntie Shirley. Keep your hands in God's hand and everything is going to be alright. Love you all Niecey
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