[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 16, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF JEAN H. ``GRANNY'' HARPER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2014

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of Mrs. Jean H. Harper, who sadly passed away on August 28, 2014. 
``Granny,'' as Jean was affectionately called by loved ones, community 
members, and those in her church family, lived a life of service and 
selflessness.
  Born in Avondale, North Carolina, on January 14, 1921, she was the 
fifth child of David and Alda Sims Hart's twelve children. Shortly 
after, her family relocated to Washington, DC, where she resided for 
the rest of her life.
  Jean worked as a dietitian at Freedman's Hospital (the forerunner of 
Howard University Hospital) for 32 years. While working at the 
hospital, she met the love of her life, James ``Jimmy'' Harper, who she 
soon married before the birth of her sole child, her daughter Barbara 
Jean. In 1954, the family moved to their eventual life-home on Taylor 
Street NW., She remained a devoted servant of her community and 
missionary within her church, working actively up until her passing in 
the Pastor's Aide Ministry of the Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church.
  However, Jean was most devoted to her family. She could always be 
found with Barbara, her grandchildren, great grandson, and other 
members of her extended family and close friends. She enjoyed 
traveling, cooking and socializing, but was renowned for being a 
problem solver for all who came into contact with her.
  I had the privilege to know ``Granny'' through her daughter Barbara, 
a former staff member of my office. I was always delighted to check in 
with her over a birthday call or simply reminiscing about the old days. 
She was a comforting soul and devoted woman of God, who had time for 
anyone that needed her. While ``Granny'' is no longer with us, her 
spirit and loving memory will always live on.
  In memory of her mother, Barbara recited a poem by Calan Booth at 
Jean's funeral entitled, ``Mother,'' which I include, as it resonated 
with me deeply:

     Without you Mother,
     I would not be here,
     for the start of my life
     came from you Mother dear.

     When I was a child
     you sacrificed for me,
     and shaped what I would be.

     Now the years have gone
     and I'm not always there,
     but I know you still worry,
     about my welfare

     I can never pay for
     all you've had to do,
     but I can say Mother,
     I still love you

  Mr. Speaker, Jean ``Granny'' Harper was a dear friend, and a 
wonderful human being. I am so truly saddened by her passing. She will 
be dearly missed.

                          ____________________