of Shirley, AR
February 15, 1937 - June 8, 2022
Jo Nan Harper, 85 of Shirley, passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2022. She was born February 15, 1937 in Heber Springs to Clyde and Clem Brown of Shirley. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Johnny Harper; her twin sister, Lou Ragsdale and her younger sister, Betty Clark. Also preceding her in death are her sons-in-law, Ricky Bane and John Evans; sisters-in-law, Ann Brown, Ollie Harper and Martha Harper; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Ragsdale, John Clark, Jr. and nephew, Matthew Clark.
A lifelong resident of Shirley, Jo Nan loved growing up in town and along the river. She attended Shirley School and after graduating in 1953, she went to Draughon School of Business in Little Rock. Jo and Johnny were married in 1958 and during their 58 year marriage they had four children. Jo put her business training to work for several years beginning as secretary for the superintendent of Van Buren County Schools, then at the first Fairfield Bay office at the Hwy 330 intersection. In 1970, she went to work for Ozark Opportunities and was the director for the local Head Start program for 30 years. Jo Nan was an entrepreneur, owning two clothing stores and a day care business. Jo Nan loved her family and loved Shirley, Arkansas.
Jo Nan is survived by her daughters, Susan Evans of Shirley, Kelly Leonard (Billy) of Bee Branch, Sandra Berry (Brian) of Shirley and her son, Shane Harper, also of Shirley; grandchildren, Lindsey Sutterfield (Matt), Lauren Sutterfield (Keaton), Benton Berry, Graysen Berry, Blair Berry, Mollie Leonard, Creed Leonard and Chase Parks; great grandchildren, Madalynn Sutterfield, Mcrae Sutterfield; one sister, Emma Hink (Dickie) of Clinton; three brothers, Benny Brown (Doris) of Shirley, Dr. Charles Brown (Jannette) of Fairfield Bay, Lane Brown of Marshall; two Brothers-in- law, Gerald Harper of Shirley and Darrell Harper of Sherwood, many friends and extended family.
Pallbearers are Benton Berry, Creed Leonard, Chase Parks, Neal Ragsdale, Scott Hink, Colton Brown and Rob Brown. Honorary Pallbearers are Gerald Harper, Jimmy Harper, Darrell Harper, Dickey Hink, Todd Hink and Jack Brown.
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm 7:00 pm on Friday, June 10, 2022 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at the Shirley Community Church. Brother Eddie Ragsdale will officiate the service and Dr. Nicholas Clark will share the obituary. Interment will follow at Weaver Cemetery.
To express condolences online please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton
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29 Condolence(s)
Kay Geer
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Ginny & Jim Faulkner
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
We pray for God’s blessings and comfort for your family.
Susan (Sowers) Stone
Sunday, June 12, 2022
I am so very sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Oleeta L McElroy
Saturday, June 11, 2022
to Jo Nan's Blessed family Iam so sorry at your loss at her going home to be with the LORD She was all sweet and kind to all a dear friend a joy to visit where when you saw out and about. May God Bless you all with peace. love to all
Linda Newman
Saturday, June 11, 2022
So deeply sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers for the family.
Janet Cates Moore
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Dear family,
So sorry to learn of the loss of your sweet Mother. She was a good neighbor when your family lived on Sam St in Shirley. Prayers for the family.
Karla Smith Elliott
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Prayers to Jo Harpers family. May your memories keep you at peace.
Peggy Adams
Saturday, June 11, 2022
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Campbell
Saturday, June 11, 2022
My husband and I express our deepest sympathy to JoNan’s family. JoNan was a sweet, kind, and loving person. I am glad I have good memories of her from the Homecoming six years ago. Sending hugs to all of you.
Sammy&Anna Ward
Saturday, June 11, 2022
So sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are for the family
Donna May Cash-Taylor
Friday, June 10, 2022
Emma
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers
Dutch Bliss
Friday, June 10, 2022
Many happy memories, Jo Nan! God bless your family!
With love, cousin Dutch Bliss and family
Dora Gail Bramlett
Friday, June 10, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of JoNans passing. She was so sweet and I loved running into her from time to time. Prayers for her family. Kellie, I am so sorry I know it is hard losing your mom.
Billy and Catherine Sowell
Friday, June 10, 2022
So sorry for you loss, Catherine and I are thinking of all of you and your in our thoughts and prayers. Billy Sowell.
Tracy & Tracy Cooley
Friday, June 10, 2022
So sorry for your loss of such a sweet and caring lady.
Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Annette Blackwell
Friday, June 10, 2022
I’m so sorry for your loss. Jo was a very sweet lady. My thoughts and prayers are with the Harper family during this difficult time.
Sherry and Randy McCaslin
Friday, June 10, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Rickey Bonds
Friday, June 10, 2022
To the Family of Jo Nan, I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. Praying that your sweet memories of her will bring you peace and consolation. God bless you all.
Susan L. Biggerstaff
Friday, June 10, 2022
Your Michigan Cousins send deepest sympathies to JoNan's family.
Pam Bradford
Friday, June 10, 2022
Prayers for the Family and Friends ðŸ™ðŸ’–
Sammie Brown and Belinda
Friday, June 10, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Jo Nell Warren
Friday, June 10, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with Jo’s family.
Velma Warner
Friday, June 10, 2022
So sorry for your loss Emma and family.
Mary jo Burnley
Friday, June 10, 2022
My sincere condolences and prayers for the family and friends.
Thomas W Harrington
Friday, June 10, 2022
I'm so sorry. My prayers are with y'all
Terry & Cheryl Harper
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers for the family.
Becky Brawner Baker
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Jo was one of the kindest people I knew growing up in Shirley. She always had a of heart of gold. I am sorry for the loss of Jo to the living but as she and I talked recently, I just know she is happy once again with Johnny...ALWAYS the man of her dreams and the love of her life and family who passed before her.
Linda Allen
Thursday, June 9, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of your loss .
I've known JoNan for many many years. Such a sweet lady who will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with each one of ya'll.
Melanie Fosko
Thursday, June 9, 2022
I'm so sorry for your loss. Jo Nan was a sweet lady and wonderful neighbor. She will be greatly missed.