Geneva Gertrude Neal Harper, 88, of Madison passed away Thursday, October 26, 2017 at home surrounded by her family. Geneva was a mill village girl, nicknamed “Little Bit” because of her small stature. She grew up in one of the small mill houses built by the Dallas Mill Company in Huntsville. From an early age, she learned the value of an education, especially when her mother took her to the mill to show how hard her mother and father had to work. She graduated from Rison High School and continued her education in business school. Eventually she became the secretary of her home church, Fifth Street Baptist (now Jackson Way Baptist Church). In 1955 she married James Warren Harper, to whom she was married for sixty-one years. She was a strong Christian lady who, together with her husband, was a member, first of Fifth Street Baptist Church, then Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and finally Providence Baptist Church.
Our mother’s faith was central to her life and she loved the Lord deeply. She was both loving and practical. Her answers to problems were always given in love and in the assurance of their rightness for the question. She worked hard and she expected the same of her children. No child could have experienced more love and security from a mother than her. Mom loved her family and was a strong support in our home. She was always the cook during our camping expeditions in the Smoky Mountains. On one occasion, she prepared bacon so well that some local bears became interested. She was devoted in love to our father, the one whom she referred to as “her rock.” Never one to point to herself, Mom always let others have the praise for her accomplishments. Above all, our Mama was “love.” In a hundred different ways, she always expressed, without saying a word, “I love you.” We all knew her love was solid and we could depend on it. Her friends and church family recognized this quality as well. Always concerned about the problems of others before herself, she would call to see how a friend was doing after a difficulty or problem in their life. In all of her life, she exemplified her Savior—she gave herself away in love. And now, her Savior has come and taken her on a journey across an uncharted sea to the harbor lights of home where she and our father are reunited and will praise their Savior forever.
Geneva was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Lee Neal and Gertrude Staggs Neal; half-brothers Earl, Orville, and Dauthard Neal; and her beloved husband, James Warren Harper.
Survivors include her children, Glen Warren Harper, Joel Alan Harper, Amelia Harper Kelly (Matthew), Junko Cook (Roger), and Lisa Harper; grandchildren, Connor Kelly, Sean Kelly, James Harper and Christopher Harper (Lauren); great-grandchildren, Trinity and Savannah; brother-in-law William Malone; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
Visitation will be held from 12 to 2 p.m on Monday, October 30, at Providence Baptist Church with funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery.
