Obituary of Florence Harper

Florence Randolph Harper of Powhatan, Virginia, formerly of Cumberland, VA, was born on January 29, 1928 to Roan and Rebecca Lewis Randolph. Florence accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an early age and joined the New Hope Baptist Church. She also attended Little Zion Baptist Church. She supported both until her death. She received her education from Cumberland County Public Schools. Florence met the love of her life, the late Stom Clifton Harper, Sr. and they were blessed to share fifty years as husband and wife. Out of this union were four children. Florence loved working in her church. She was a very dedicated choir member and missionary worker. She was very active in the Senior Connection Center where she attended regularly until her illness would no longer allow her to participate. She loved fishing with her husband, sons, and daughter-in-law. She also enjoyed playing bingo and she would never miss any activities that her grandchildren or great-grandchildren were involved in. Florence loved the annual 4th of July cookout and the Christmas dinner. During these family gatherings, it brought her joy to hear the family sing together. These moments became the traditions in her large family. Early Tuesday morning, April 14, 2020, in Powhatan, VA Florence, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, patiently and quietly answered the call and transitioned from earth to eternal life. Florence was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Stom Clifton Harper, Sr.; three sisters, three brothers and one granddaughter, Shannon Harper. She leaves to cherish her memory: three sons, Stom Harper, Jr. (Lona), Norman Harper (Marilyn) and Wendell Harper (Sabre); one daughter, Shirley Hughes; fifteen grandchildren, Lora, Felicia, Lenora, Danielle, Alicia (Juan, Sr.), Stom III, Andrea, Stewart (Jessica), Shawonda (Jerry), Norman Jr. (Charilda), Wendell, D'Andra, Brandon, Dominic and Jordan; sixteen great-grandchildren and many that adopted her as grandma or granny; one sister, Mrs. Edith Harper; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Evelyn Harper Bell and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and a devoted friend, Carrie Brown. To Those I Love When I am gone, just release me, let me go – so, I can move into my afterglow. You mustn't tie me down with your tears; let's be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it's time I traveled on alone. So, grieve for me awhile, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted with trust. It's only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home."