First Baptist Church of Warrington 105 Gulf Beach Highway | Pensacola, FL 32507 DR. JAMES H. MILLER, SR. PASTOR
Psalms 37:23 says that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. The life of Deacon Curtis Harper Jr. exemplifies this scripture. From humble beginnings in Pensacola, Florida, Deacon Curtis Harper, Jr. was born on October 22, 1944. He was the son of the late Curtis (Buster) Harper Sr. and Assie Lee Harper. He attended public schools in Pensacola and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. Curtis professed his faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and joined Englewood Missionary Baptist Church in Pensacola where he was a devoted member until he graduated from High School. Shortly after graduating from high school, Deacon Harper moved to California and enlisted in the United States Army. He served two years in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. After the military, he earned a degree in Cosmetology and became a licensed professional barber and stylist and owned a barber shop on Broadway Blvd in Seaside California. After many successful years, he missed his hometown and relocated back to Pensacola. On September 7, 2007, Deacon Harper married the love of his life Ada M. Harper. They were inseparable and rarely did you see one without the other. Deacon Curtis and Sister Ada were dedicated and faithful members of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and later joined First Baptist Church of Warrington. Deacon Harper was a devoted deacon at First Baptist and often lead devotion service. As a loving and devoted father, not only did he provide for his biological children he embraced his new stepchildren and grandchildren with the same love and devotion. He extended his support to his family, his friends, and his church. Indeed, the steps of this good man were ordered by God, and he followed His path. Deacon Harper quietly departed this life at home on Monday, August 16, 2021 with his daughter LaTonda by his side. He was loved by many, and his influences will forever remain in the lives of all that knew him. He was preceded in death by Curtis (Buster) Harper Sr. (Father), Assie Lee Harper (Mother), Bessie Mae Harper (Stepmother), Eunice Pennington (Sister), Buster Harper Jr. (Brother), Charles Harper (Brother), Alberta English (Sister), Ruby Lee Hale (Sister). Deacon Curtis Harper leaves to cherish his memories, a loving and devoted wife Ada M. Harper. His children LaFonda Harper, LaTonda Harper, Lamare Harper, Shironda Harper, and Homer Battle. His step children Tavara Richard, Tamara Richard and step granddaughter Kaleia Richard. His sisters Willie Mae Turage (Oussy), Alisa Mims (Judge), Betty Banks, Brenda Harper, Patricia Gipson (Winford), Marion Farrag, Jackie McElroy (Larry), Kathy Harper, and Belinda Terry (James). His brothers Jimmy Robertson (Cynthia), Rev. John Harper (Roberta), Michael Harper, Darrel Harper (Tina), Tihier Harper, and Kelvin Harper. Deacon Harper leaves a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Pulpit Conductor .................................................................................................. Rev. Terry Alexander Processional .....................................................................................................................Clergy and Family Music Selection ........................................................................................................... FBCW Praise Team Prayer of Comfort .................................................................................................Rev. Eugene Franklin Old Testament .............................................................................................................. Rev. Robert Young New Testament .............................................................................................................. Rev. Kenneth Lee Music Selection ........................................................................................................... FBCW Praise Team
Reflections
As a brother - Rev. John Harper As a neighbor - Mrs. Ardra Evans As a deacon - Deacon Allan Kay Acknowledgements and Resolutions .............................................................. Sister Ollie Gainey Selection .......................................................................................................................... FBCW Praise Team Eulogy ....................................................................................................................... Dr. James H. Miller, Sr. Closing Prayer and Recessional
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-2
A Tribute to My Husband His life taught me unconditional love and his death taught me kindness. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to share his dreams, hopes, love, friendship and much more. He was a Christian and loved his church. A man who stood by his family. A man who was a hero to all who knew him. A man who love unconditionally. A man who believe in sharing and caring. A man who put a smile on people’s faces. A man who was so full of life. A man who was a bigger star in his own right than most of us. You will always be in my heart and the love I have for you will never ever die. Your last words to me still echoes in my ears and I will always remember them until we meet again.
Love your wife Ada Harper Papa, You taught me how to a man was supposed to treat me. All the memories, the car rides and how you always played "Still Here" by the Williams Brothers will forever be in my heart. You taught me right from wrong and always saved me from Granny's wrath. Your laugh will be something I will always remember and cherish. Thank you for all the laughs and hugs when I needed them the most. I will always love you forever and always. I'll take care of Granny for you Papa, and I'll see you again in another lifetime.
Love, your Poodah (Kaleia)
Deacon Curtis Harper, Jr.
A Tribute to My Dad THE GREATEST HERO The world has many heroes, some you’d know by name. They give their best at what they do, so they deserve their fame. But among all those heroes this world has ever had, there is not one admired more than my dad. Perhaps not like the others, he doesn’t look for praise. He’s heroic in his own special way. Perhaps he’s not as famous as the others that you see. But he is everything and so much more that heroes ought to be. He keeps his word, it’s good as gold, on this you can depend. He’s honest and he’s loyal too, he’s also a true friend. When I hear about a hero, and the great things they have done, it reminds me of my father, he’s the greatest one. We love you Dad
Love your daughter Latonda Harper
2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Deacon Curtis Harper, Jr.
Precious Memories
Deacon Curtis Harper, Jr.
Pallbearers
Deacons of First Baptist Church of Warrington
Flower Bearers
Mothers and Deaconess of First Baptist Church of Warrington
Interment
Barrancas National Cemetery 1 Cemetery Rd Pensacola, FL 32508
Final Arrangements By Joe Morris & Son Funeral Home 701 N. Devilliers Street Pensacola, FL 32501
Programs Designed & Printed by Teresa Lee