Betty Lou Smith Harper

Betty Lou Smith Harper, age 95, of Clinton, MS, a retired school teacher, passed peacefully from this world to the loving arms of Christ on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at the Clinton Healthcare Facility.

Betty was born October 12, 1928 in Pittsboro, MS, daughter of Reuben T. Smith and Janet Reid Smith. She lived in Newton, MS until May 1943 when the Smith family moved to Calhoun City, MS where Betty graduated from high school in 1946. She received a bachelor degree in Music Education at the University of Southern University and a Master of Music Education at Mississippi College. Betty retired after 30 years of teaching in various schools in the state of Mississippi, Florida, and Kentucky. Betty was a member of Parkway Baptist Church in Clinton, MS.

Betty Harper, formerly married to Cecil L. Harper, was the mother of five children. She was superseded in death by one daughter, Heidi Kimberly Harper; one grandson, Christopher Calhoun; her parents; one brother, Reid Smith of Richardson, TX; two sisters, Ruth Hudson of Huntsville, AL and Carolyn Wise of Sherman, TX.

Betty is survived by sons, Stanley Lawrence Harper and wife Vicki of Austin, TX and granddaughter, Kelsey and great granddaughter, Harper; Timothy Gregory Harper of Brandon, MS and grandchildren, Delaney and Brannon; daughters, Linda Cecile Carnley and husband Dale of Seagoville, TX; Kathleen Elaine Eaton of Clinton, MS and granddaughter, Katie Wambsgans and husband Joseph and great grandchildren Maddux, Tucker, Grant, Julie; grandson Philip Stephens and wife Anita and great granddaughters Tirzah and Connie; grandson Andrew Keith Stephens and wife Paige and granddaughter AnaMarie.

Betty Harper gave of herself as a Foster Parent for several years, loving the children that passed through her home.

Betty was loved by all who knew her, family, friends, neighbors and students. She was gentle, kindhearted, faithful, and hardworking. She loved music, playing the trumpet and piano. Music brought her joy even when words were no longer available to her. She also enjoyed sewing and wood carving and learning more of God's wonders through his Word and observing his world.

No matter what difficulties she faced in this life, Betty showed grace and faithfulness, using even the darkest moments to show Christ's love.