Mable Jewell Harper

Mable Jewell Harper, 88, of Jonesboro died Tuesday morning at St. Bernards Medical Center. Born in Lake City, she lived much of her life in Houston, Texas where she was Assistant to the Dean of Education at the University of Houston. She retired in 1982 and moved to Jonesboro. Upon her retirement, the Jewell Harper Scholarship Fund was established at the University of Houston. She was an accomplished pianist and organist. She was organist for Riverview Baptist Church in Houston and often was the guest organist at Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she was active in the Home Link Group.

Mrs. Harper is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Charles Claude & Francine K. Harper, Aloha, Oregon; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Charlie C. Sefers, Jr. & Janice, Jonesboro, Melbourne Wayne “Bo” Sefers & Helen, Atlanta, Georgia; her sister, Mary Louise Walker, Jonesboro; grandchildren, David K. Harper, Alia Lord; and great grandchildren, Campbell Lord and Henley Lord.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, John O. Harper; her parents, Zelma & Charlie Sefers, Sr.; and a sister, Marguerite Sefers.

A memorial service will be held Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Dr. Bruce Tippit officiating. Emerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Burial will be private.

Active pallbearers will be Charles Harper, David Harper, Rod Higgins, Bruce Poleet, Mike Walker, and Lloyd Walker.

There will be no visitation.

For lasting memorials, the family requests that consideration be given to the Jewell Harper Scholarship Fund, c/o College of Education, University of Houston, 4800 Calhoon, Houston, Texas 77204-5023 or Home Link Group, c/o First Baptist Church, 701 S. Main Street, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401.