James Homer Harper, Sr

Shelby - James Homer Harper, Sr. age 82 of 2318 Mason Street Shelby peacefully transitioned from this life on Monday, October 18, 2021 at his residence. Homer was born August 19, 1938 to Jeff Harper and Eva Hemphill Harper, in Earl, North Carolina. James departed this life October 18, 2021. Homer received his education from Camp High School in Shelby, North Carolina. Homer was a childhood member of Fairview A. M. E. Zion Church, and later joined Hopewell Baptist Church where he served faithfully for the last 50 years. During his tenure at Hopewell, Homer sang in the choir, served as a Jr. Deacon, member of the finance committee, trustee, and bus driver. James Homer Harper, Sr. was united in holy matrimony with Dorothy Wilson Harper for 59 years. Homer was the originator and owner of Harper’s Body Shop where he served the auto body needs of the Cleveland County Community for over 50 years. In addition, Homer taught Auto Body Mechanics at Cleveland Community College. Homer was preceded in father, Jeff Harper, mother, Eva Harper, brothers, Luther Harper and Joe Harper, along with his sister, Fannie Butler and Jessie Rice. Survivors left behind to cherish his memories: his wife, Dorothy Wilson Harper, children, Terry Bernard Degree of Asheville, North Carolina, Carol Degree of Greer, South Carolina, James Homer Harper, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia, 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, one niece, Lena Borders of Gastonia, North Carolina, special friends, Bridget Hamrick and Margie, and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Funeral service will be held on Monday October 25, 2021 at Hopewell Baptist Church at 2pm;  visitation 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial Church cemetery.

Due to COVID , there will not be a repass at the church nor at the residence. We thank you for your understanding

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