Bessie Harper

FROSTBURG- Bessie Josephine Harper, 89 years old, a lifetime resident of Frostburg passed away on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at the Western Maryland Health and Rehabilitation Center. Josie was born and raised in Frostburg and lived on Fairview Street for many, many years, until she became a resident at the Western Maryland Health and Rehabilitation Center where she resided for approximately five years. Preceding her in death, her husband Robert Bolden Harper, daughter, Sheena Harper, parents, Eugene and Bessie Bush, Bernard and Tom Bush, brothers, Kathleen Taylor, Nellie Williams, Annie Wheeler, Lois Harper, sisters, Kerry Harper, grandson, Corrhon Harper, great grandson. Surviving, her nine children, Robert A. Harper, Frostburg; Carolyn Hall, Frostburg; Kerry Harper and wife Yvonne, Locust Grove, VA; Patrick Harper and Jarmila, Walkersville, MD; Jacqualine Stallworth and Mark, Severn, MD; Niles Harper and wife Joy, Frostburg; Jozette Wright and husband Leonard, Dearborn, MI; Keith Harper and wife Cheryl, Frostburg; Wesley Harper and Tonya Wilt, Klondike, MD. Josie has 26 grandchildren, 48 great grans and six great great grans. She also has numerous nieces and nephews and cousins, and a special daughter in law Pamela Peck. She also was a mom to many others throughout the community and friends to all who she came in contact with. She especially loved her friends at the nursing home: Robbie Bowen, Bob and Sue Bittner, Shirley Michael and Margaret (Betty) Mulligan. Much appreciation and love to all of the staff who took care of her. Mommy, Mom, Josie, Jere, Bessie, Mammaw, and Grandma, as she was so affectionately known, a very special woman who touched so many people throughout her life. Her love for her family was undeniable. What brought the most joy to her life was to have her family around her as much as possible. She loved music and has sung for many events throughout the state during her life. Josie sang when she was happy and sang when she was sad. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing hymns and all kinds of music. Josie loved to cook and was very good at it. She would feed anyone who stopped by, even when she didn’t have much herself. Josie spread her time, talents, and friendship and especially love to all who came within her presence. Her body may have gone from us, but her love and kindness will always remain in our thoughts and our hearts. Friends will be received at the Sowers Funeral Home on Monday, March 4, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. with Pastor Robert Bolden officiating. Repass will be at the American Legion, 27 W. Main Street, Frostburg, MD 21532.