Mary Ida Downing Harper

Mary Ida Downing Harper, 97, servant of Christ, pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother was welcomed by the Lord into Heaven on November 21st at Choctaw Regional Medical Center. Both of her daughters were at her side.

Known as “Mamaw” to her five grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren, Mrs. Harper was predeceased by her husband, Rev. Dr. Norman E. Harper, pastor, former head of the Bible Department at Belhaven College and former Dean of the School of Christian Education at Reformed Theological Seminary, as well as her parents, Remer Moffett and Annie Lucy Henderson Downing.

A native of French Camp, Mary Ida met Norman when they were both students at French Camp Academy. Together, they had a life-long ministry until his death in 1996. At the end of her life, Mary Ida experienced the joy of returning to live in French Camp.

Mrs. Harper was known for her ministry to others, including her later years when in spite of failing memory, she still instinctively reached out to those in need. Her family rejoices in the fact she is now with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mamaw is survived by her daughters Maria Diane Harper Price (Hank) of French Camp and Rebecca Ann Harper Forester (Jim) of Delray Beach, Florida, grandchildren Henry E. Price, III of Pass Christian, MS, Rev. Dr. Norman Harper Price (Courtney) of Peachtree Corners, GA, Rev. James Edward Forester, Jr. (Anna) of French Camp, Justin Harper Forester (Alecia) of Saint Augustine, Florida, and Mary Downing Patterson (Daniel) of Delray Beach, Florida along with 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Reverend Richard Lynn Downing (Dianne) of French Camp.

A Celebration of Life for both Norman and Mary Ida will be held at French Camp Presbyterian Church at 11:00 am on Monday, December 29th. Reverend Lynn Downing will officiate. Grandsons Reverend Jay Forester, pastor of French Camp Presbyterian Church and Reverand Dr. Harper Price, pastor of Peachtree Corners Presbyterian Church, as well as nephew Reverend Erik Veerman, pastor of Tucker Presbyterian Church, will assist.

A family graveside service will be held that same day.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Choctaw County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center cared for Mrs. Harper during the final two years of her life as well as the staff at Choctaw Regional Medical Center who cared for Mrs. Harper during her last hours.

The family is especially grateful to the staff of both facilities who treated Mrs. Harper with kindness and care as if she were their own mother.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to French Camp Presbyterian Church or French Camp Academy.