Idora O. Harper

Idora Octavia Harper was born March 10, 1939 in Chester, Pennsylvania to the late Oscar and Estella Newsome. Idora received her education from the Chester School District, graduating with the Class of 1957. Upon graduation, she was employed by Bell Telephone as a switch operator. After the death of her father, she had to stop working so she could help her mother take care of her brothers. This is where her love for caring for children started. From there she worked at the Wilson Nursery Daycare, and after her youngest child was born, she decided to open a daycare at her home. Taking care of children was her calling and she did so well into her retirement. As a child she attended Range Temple Church of God In Christ and Murphy AME Church. She gave her life to Christ and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church. After her marriage to Wilson Harper, Jr., she joined the Providence Baptist Church where she was a member of the Deaconess Board, Senior Choir, Voices of Providence, and Mass Choir. Idora loved the Lord and didn’t mind praising him or letting you know how good he was. You would faithfully see her singing in the choir, or carrying out her duties as a deaconess, such as ironing the tablecloths for the communion table, washing the baptismal garments and making sure the pastor’s robe was clean. Mrs. Harper, as she was affectionately known by, had a stern and loving spirit which garnered respect and reverence from all she encountered. She was a devoted family Matriarch who had no problem nurturing her children and anyone else she came in contact with. Several children passed through her home, whom she cared for as her own. She enjoyed cooking and serving her family as well as anyone who entered through her door. On any given day you could find her in the kitchen giving cooking instructions or life lessons to anyone who would listen. To top it off she made a mean pot of lima beans, tasty buttermilk biscuits using her mother’s recipe, and let’s not forget her sweet potato pies. She loved her family dearly and affectionately displayed photos of them throughout her home for all her guests to see. She was especially fond of holidays where she would prepare and host massive meals for the whole family and their friends. She carried on this tradition well into her later years. She enjoyed all our family gatherings which included Sunday dinners, holidays, and birthday parties. She was our hero. An amazing wife, daughter, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her family. You could depend on her for anything, even though she didn’t have a license or a car. If you called her for directions or a ride, she would have someone at your location for pick-up within minutes. So she was the originator of ride-sharing, before Uber and Lyft. She was an amazing example of class and throughout her life she exemplified the definition of a discerning and virtuous woman. A woman of faith, integrity, devotion, loyalty, kindness, and generosity. Idora was an irreplaceable pillar of her family and will be missed. On Friday, July 23, 2021 the Almighty God in his infinite wisdom, mercy and grace promoted our dear loved one from labor to reward at her home surrounded by her loving family. Idora leaves behind a legacy of love that will forever live on in her devoted children, family, and friends. Her memory will be cherished by her children: Eric Bridgeford (Shawn), Jacqueline Harper, Timothy Bridgeford (Stephanie), Terri Bridgeford-Barnes (Thomas), Tracey Bridgeford, Adrienne Harper-Adams (Tobin, Sr.), and Krischell Yates (Christopher); grandchildren George Taylor (Kyra), Shannon Harper, Adrian Webb, LaTasha Archie (Stephen), Marvin Harper (Nucia), Shavonne Ballard (Shamar), Qaadira Crew, Marlon Harper, Shantal Harper, Marcus Harper, Tyja Thompson (Aaron), Tobin Adams, Jr.(Pam), Shari Harper, Timyra Bridgeford, Tayyiba Crew, Deborah Bridgeford, Kailyn Harper-Simpson, Shamar Hunter, Ashley Womack, and Kierstyn Yates; thirty-seven great-grandchildren; brothers Gerome Newsome (Stephanie), and Cornelius (Clifford) Newsome; sister-in-law Beverly Harper; special nieces Jean McCowin and Patricia Newsome; special friends Mary Harper and Rubye Weaver and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Wilson Harper, Jr.; daughter Deborah Harper; brothers Clarence Hooks, Walter Newsome, Oscar (Huss) Newsome, David Newsome, and Terry Newsome; sisters Beatrice Parker, Gladys Patterson, and Bernice Germany. We would like to thank those who made the later days easier for Idora and her family. A special “thank you” goes out to Crozer Hospice, Terri, and Tayyiba, who spent each day and night caring for her and making her final days comfortable. Also thanks to her personal doctors and nurses who were essential in providing care and ensuring relative comfort. Lovingly submitted, The Family Zoom Meeting ID:6848386118 Passcode: 701871

Idora O. Harper

March 10, 1939 - July 23, 2021