Isaac Harper Sr

Opening Act: 

Isaac (Ike) Harper entered this life on September 5, 1940, in Hancock County, Sparta, Georgia, to the Union of John Wesley and Lula Harper. In 1952, his mother decided to move to Columbus, Ohio, to be close to her brother, Arthur Brown, and son, Louis Harper. After settling down in Columbus, Ike attended Starling Middle School and Columbus Central High School. 

In 1960, Ike met and married his bride, E. Anna Fuller. Three children were born into this union: Deborah Lynn, Isaac Jr., and Charese Lynette. He was a loyal husband to his wife and an exceptional father to his children. He spoiled Anna rotten and gave excellent and wise counsel to his children and grandchildren. He would OFTEN tell them, “Study hard, get an education, go to work every day, and don’t go to jail because I’m not coming to get you out. Most importantly, save your money because ‘Ma may have; Pa may have, but God Bless the Child who got his own.’”

Ike had several employers throughout his lifetime, including Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, Columbus Auto Parts, and Dana Manufacturing, from which he retired in 2005. Throughout his working career, he’d often say, “When I retire, I’m going to go work at Diamonds in Northland Mall so that I can wear a suit and tie.” Well, in 2005, not only was Diamonds non-existent, but so was the mall. Therefore, he went to work at The Marlan J Gary Funeral Home, where he wore a “suit and tie”. 

Ike was a dedicated family man who absolutely loved each of his family members. The family reunions were his favorite family events. Whether it was winter, spring, summer, or fall, you would often find him outside (near or in his garage), frying turkey or fish or barbequing ribs while piddling in the garage. For exercise and recreation, he absolutely loved fishing, hunting, bowling, riding his bike, and walking, which he did well into his 80’s. His most accomplished bike ride was at the ripe age of 60, when he rode his bike 100 miles from Columbus to Portsmouth, Ohio, along with his best friend, Sam; his brother-in-law, Preston; and his nephew, Van. 

Ike was raised as a Methodist while in Sparta, but he eventually planted his roots at Triedstone Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, for over 40 years. At Triedstone, he served on the following ministries: the Trustee Board, the Senior Usher Board, the Seasoned Citizens as the Co-Lead Servant, the Security Ministry, and the Men of Vision. He later united with The Christian Valley Baptist Church, where he attended faithfully until his health no longer permitted him to do so. 

Final Curtain Call: 

On December 23, 2024, Ike slept away peacefully. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley and Lula Harper; his son, Isaac Jr.; his brothers, Frank and Julian Harper; sisters, Annie Pryor and Agnes Graves; sister-in-law, Judy Harper; and brother-in-law, Robert Fuller, Sr.

Ike leaves behind to cherish his memory: his loving wife of 63 years, E. Anna Harper; daughters, Debbie (Andre) Hughley and Charese Harper; grandson, Damon (Cara and Amina Scott) Harper; granddaughter, Kaylah I. Price; brother, Louis Harper; sisters, Dorothy Tucker and Dr. E. Jean Harper (Preston Mack); sister-in-law, Elizabeth Sheppheard; bonus grandchildren, A. Chonnette (Jerome) Gunn and family, Jacquettea (Darrell) Wright and family and Marcus (Kimily) Hughley; best friend of over 70 years, Samuel (Linda) Freeman; bonus sisters, Levoyce and Beverly Huggins; those who called him Paw-Paw or Grandpa Ike, Jamal, Mishawn, Aniyla, Montrell, Charli, Kyrin, Tori and Cam; Prayer Partner, Jean Cocroft; his beloved Harper, Brown, Fuller and Hughley families; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

As a family, we will miss Ike dearly and cherish him always. In his own words, “I think I did all right in life for a lil’ ole boy from Sparta, Georgia,” and we wholeheartedly agree! Take your rest “thou good and faithful servant”. Your mission has been accomplished.