Etheleen Imogene Harper

Etheleen Chaffin Harper was born in Atoka, OK on December 29, 1936. She passed from this world to heaven on October 7, 2024. Imogene, as she was known, was a firecracker in her youth and that carried through the rest of her life. She had an indomitable spirit.

She was raised in Shawnee, OK where she lived until she was in her early 20’s. She married and divorced (Toby “Hot” Sing) and had 1 daughter. She then met and married Clarence Harper and had 5 children (3 daughters and 2 sons).

She retired from the Duval County School Board where she was a lunch lady and bookkeeper which she loved. But mostly she was a mother. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly and devoted her life to raising them.

Imogene was always good for a laugh whether it was gluing herself to the bumper of her car when Super Glue had just gone public, and yes, the fire department came out, or doing a 360* flip while carrying a clothes basket full of clothes with a cigarette in her mouth and without spilling any clothes.

She always put people first, especially her kids and grandkids. She was always there with a helping hand and a place to stay, a hot meal, clean clothes, and a warm bed. She took the time to talk to people and she listened. She had a truly loving spirit.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Harper, her son, Wayne Harper, and her “baby” daughter, Peggy Harper. She leaves behind 3 daughters, Debbie (Jim) Hughes, Sherrie (Tommy) Padgett, and Barbara Howard; and 1 son, Tommy Harper; 7 grandchildren (AJ Talley, Robert Padgett , Alec Harper, Joshua Howard , Justin Howard, Claren Harper , and Ryan Harper ); and several great grandchildren.

She was a remarkable woman who loved the Lord and loved her family. She will be greatly missed. We love you, Mama. See you in heaven.

A graveside service for Etheleen will be held Monday, October 14, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.