Mary Belle Harp

Mary Belle (Perryman) Harp, daughter of the late Frank and Inez (Daffron) Perryman, was born on September 12, 1931 in St. Francis, Arkansas, and left her earthly home at Rocky Ridge Manor in Mansfield, Missouri on February 24, 2012, bound for her Heavenly home. She was 80 years of age.
Mary was united in marriage to Birdell Harp on August 13, 1951. Six children were born to this union. Mary was so proud of her role as mom and had a love for her children that was felt until her last breath. She made each child feel special and was not only mom but also their best friend.
Later in life when her grandchildren came, Mary started her role as “grandma” and the love she had for each one as they were born was seen in the excitement and joy in her eyes. She loved to babysit her grandkids, even asking their parents, couldn’t they find somewhere to go so she could keep them. She always wanted them to stay overnight.
She enjoyed making that special dish for her kids and grandkids, always having their favorite on their birthday. The grandkids still brag on grandma’s sweet tea and hamburger stew.
Mary was a hard worker. She was a homemaker throughout the years her children were in school. She was always the favorite PTA mom that brought the special treats for school parties. She also loved to garden and took pride in seeing the fruits of her labor in the jars of canned vegetables lining the walls of the cellar.
After moving to Norwood in 1976, she went to work at Blanton’s Discount Center in Norwood and later at Fordick Corporation in Mtn. Grove, where she made many lifelong friends.
Mary was saved at the age of eight at the Methodist Church in St. Francis, Arkansas and served God faithfully her entire life. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Norwood where she served in various ministries and attended faithfully until her health failed. She was a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Bible School teacher, involved in the women’s ministries and was a member of the church choir.
Mary was always willing and eager to serve where needed in the church, especially any opportunity to serve with her sisters in Christ. She was so excited when the new church was built and that she got to drive some of the nails.
Mary loved to sing and most everyone who has heard her sing would know her testimony in song was “How Great Thou Art.”
Besides her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her son: Roger Harp; her step-mother: Edith Perryman; four sisters: Lorene McKenzie, Evalene Peridore, Peggy Whorton, and Patsy Perryman; and by four brothers: James Perryman, Ernest Perryman, Clifford Perryman and David Perryman.
Mary is survived by her children: Richard and Brenda Harp of Merced, California, Regina and Terry Hopper of Norwood, Missouri, Randy and Julie Harp of Hartville, Missouri, Annette and Tim Bruffett, and Alan and Karen Harp, all of Norwood, Missouri; nine grandchildren: Heather Cutbirth, Heidi Thornton, Coby Hopper, April Blackmon, Cari Harp, Jessica Harp, Logan Harp, Emily Thomas and Evan Harp; six great-grandchildren: Alexis Deatherage, Timmy Thornton, Gabrielle Blackmon, Laley Blackmon, Garrett Hopper and Kaydence Thomas; her siblings, Vivian and Chester Mansfield, Carolyn and Mike Tittle, Kathy Hampton, Delois and Bucky Proffer, Pamela and Ed Dunning, Melinda Lindsey, Charles and Linda Perryman, Brannon and Brenda Perryman and Boyce and Claudia Perryman; numerous nieces; nephews; cousins and friends who will miss her greatly.

The family would like to thank the staff of Rocky Ridge Manor where Mary resided for the past eleven years. They provided loving and tender care for her as her health was failing.


Funeral Service: Monday,
February 27th at 10:00 AM
in the Assembly of God Church

at Norwood, Missouri.



Visitation: Sunday,

February 26th from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel.



Burial: Retherford Cemetery, Norwood, Missouri.


Contributions:
Norwood Assembly of God Church, American Diabetes or the Alzheimer's Association.