Mrs. Harper died suddenly Wednesday evening, June 2, 2010 at Heritage Pointe Senior Living in Cookeville. She completed life’s journey at age 82, leaving an indelible impression upon those she met along the way.
She was born January 22, 1928 in Celina, TN the second daughter of the late Jewell W. and Agnes Donaldson Terry. She grew up in a beautiful farmhouse on Pea Ridge with her sister, Katherine.
A graduate of Tennessee Tech, she started her teaching career in Lafayette, TN where she met her late husband of 42 years, Ronald Harper. They were married in 1950. In 1952 they welcomed their son, Ronald Terry Harper and in 1954 their daughter, Beth Clarise Harper.
Aenona and Ronald left the south when their children were young and lived in Montello and Well, NV, Rangely, CO, Pullman, WA and Portland, OR, but no matter where their adventures took them they were always southerners at heart. In the early 80s, Ronald took a job as Dean of Career Education at the University of Georgia. It was there that Ronald was diagnosed with early onset Alzhimer’s disease and they came home to Lafayette, where their romance had begun. Aenona cared for him until his death in 1992.
She loved teaching. In her long career as an educator, she touched so many young lies. Her innovative teaching methods were always hands on and inspirational. Many of her students remained in touch with her long after she retired.
Aenona was a member of the Jefferson Avenue Church of Christ.
She is survived by her son, Terry Harper and his wife Lwanna of Vancouver, WA; dauther, Bether Harper and her husband, Chris McCullwich of Portland, OR; sister and brother-in-law, Katherine and A.C. Clark of Cookeville; three grandchildren, Eric Vernon, Joe Vernon and Grace McCullwich; nieces and nephews, Sandra (Ken ) Shepherd, Pat (John) Taylor, Jim Clark, and Eddie (Sarah) Clarkall of whom she loved unconditionally. Aenona was always kind, generous and gracious. Her family will miss her dearly.
Mrs. Harper’s family would like to thank her care givers at Heritage Pointe Senior Living for their kindness and support during her stay there.
Jim Clark, Eddie Clark, Garrett Shepherd, Kent Shepherd, Ken Shepherd and John Taylor will serve as pallbearers.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Donaldson Cemetery Fund. c/o Debbie Jones, 1127 Gainesboro Hwy., Celina, TN 38551.
Hooper Huddleston& Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931) 526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com
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