Emily Jane Harper

Wednesday, February 25, 2015. She was 91 years old Emily was born on March 14, 1923

in Buffalo, NY to LeRoy H and Lydia Klein Brown. On Thanksgiving Day of 1942, Emily was married to Edward H. Harper of Little Valley, NY while he was enlisted in the US Army. They celebrated 67 happy years together before Ed passed away in 2009.

Emily was a 1939 graduate of South Park High School, graduating at age 16 with honors, She was the proud recipient of the Jesse Ketchum Award for Academic Excellence and the Good Citizenship Award from the National Society of the DAR. After graduating High School, Emily worked for her father at the Liberty Laundry in Buffalo until her marriage. She later worked for Kinfolks Cutlery in Little Valley, NY during WWII. In later years she worked for Bush Brothers, Inc of Little Valley and then in the Little Valley Central School cafeteria until she retired to move to Florida in 1969.

In Florida, Emily served as a Volunteer Hospital Auxiliary member at Marion Community Hospital in Ocala for 27 years. She also volunteered at the Gainesville Veteran's Hospital. She was a member, and the last chapter president of WWI Auxiliary of Marion County. She was a member of the Belleview Legion Auxiliary- Post 284, DAV Auxiliary- Chapter 85 in Belleview. Emily and Ed were members of the Ocala Boat Club for many years.

Emily is predeceased by her husband, Edward, her brother, Leroy (Marie) and her parents. She is survived by her 5 children; Jane Harper Cowart of Palm Coast, FL, Cynthia Harper (Rick)Farnham of Lime Lake, NY, Deborah Harper of Ocala, FL, Marcia Harper Bolesta of Summerfield, FL and Douglas E. (Michelle) Harper of Anthony, FL and nephew Paul Van Fossen (Debbie) of Macon, GA. She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson. Emily touched many lives and is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews and their families.

A Memorial Service in Emily J Harper’s memory will be held on Sunday, March 15th at the Ocala Boat Basin from 2 - 3pm, with reception to follow.