1925
2017
Orester J. Harper, Sr., of Ozark, died Monday, June 12, 2017 at his residence. He was 91.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 16, 2017 in the Earl Bankston Memorial Chapel of Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Noah Reeves officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the "Orester J. Harper, Sr. Good Grades Scholarship Fund," c/o Wells Fargo Bank, 293 Andrews Ave., Ozark, AL 36360.
Orester Jeremiah Harper, Sr. was born in Dale County, Alabama, the son of the late Noah Permillion Harper and Roachie (Canada) Harper. His early education was at Klondike Elementary and Ozark City School (Colored). He was in high school when he was drafted into the Navy to complete his military service obligation. Two years later, he returned to high school, finished, and went to college, where he worked two jobs to supplement his income.
He earned a B.S. Degree, from Alabama State University and a M.S. Degree from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Orester was the recipient of the National Science Foundation Stipend at Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, Alabama A&M University and Antioch College. He received his certification in Secondary Education, Science and Mathematics, English (grades 9-12) and Administration and Supervision.
In the same week of his graduation from college, Orester married his childhood sweetheart Brenda Joyce Roberts of Ozark, the daughter of the late Reverend James Murry Roberts and wife, Dollie (Waters) Roberts.
Orester was a member of the Union Grove Baptist Church. He served 35 years as the Adult Sunday School Teacher, was Co-Chairman of the Deacons Board, Chairman of the Building Committee, President of the Senior Bible Club and conducted weekly Bible study classes.
He was highly involved within the community having participated in many local, civic, and charitable activities. He gave "Good Grades Money" to students who made the honor roll. He was a Boy Scout leader, a member of the Alabama State University Alumni Association and a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He was a Commander-In-Chief for the Veterans of Foreign Wars and on the Barbour, Dale, and Henry County Headstart Hiring Boards. He was a participant for the Dale County Draft Board, Southeast Alabama Planning Development Commission, Dale County Planning Commission and the Agriculture Stabilization Conservation Service.
He was also a member of the Dale County Retired Teachers Association, the Alabama Retired Teachers Association, the National Education Association, Legislative Committee DCRTA, National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Oresters' professional involvements include, Basketball Official, Basketball Coach, Science and Mathematics Teacher, President of Dale County Teachers' Association (first President after integration), President of the District 9 Science Fair, Principal of Skipperville Junior High School, Principal of Mack M. Matthews High School and Assistant Principal of Dale County High School.
A group of concerned former students of the Pinckard-Newton-Midland City area established the Orester J. Harper Scholarship Fund. He was also presented with the Outstanding Community Service Award by the Dale County Democratic Conference.
Orester was cited in the late 50's as having the greatest science laboratory in the state of Alabama. Tucker, a student of his, went to Alabama A&M College and excelled in Agronomy because of an unusually strong science background. Another student, now a minister, said, "I wouldn't be where I am today if it hadn't been for Mr. Harper's application of the board of education."
Survivors include his devoted and loving wife whom he called his Queen, Brenda Joyce Roberts Harper of Ozark, AL; his children, Orester Jeremiah Harper, Jr. (Jennifer) of Phoenix, AZ and Oretha Joycelyn Harper of Ozark, AL; his grandchildren, Orester Jeremiah Harper , III (Joyce) of Phoenix, AZ and Tanisha Mariko Harper of Los Angeles, CA; one great-grandchild, Jackson Jeremiah Harper of Phoenix, AZ two brothers, Noah Harper, Jr. and Edgar D. Harper (Mae Lue) of Ozark, AL; one sister, Mollie Brinson of Ozark, AL; brother-in-law, James Maurice Roberts (Gracie) of Dothan, AL and sister-in-law, Abigail Roberts Jones of Ozark, AL; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home.
June 16, 2017
No one can know exactly how you feel but may it help to know that many thoughts and prayers are with you. With sincere sympathy. Greater Old Salem Missionary Baptist Church
June 15, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Harper was such a kind, respectful man and was highly regarded by everyone at Dale County High School. May your memories bring you smiles.
Nancy Weed Pomrenke (DCHS Class of 71)
Jacksonville, FL
June 14, 2017
Darren Helms
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I will always have fond memories of Mr. Harper in Union Grove Baptist Church and the Klondike community. May your memories bring you comfort.
June 14, 2017
Diane Harper
My heart is heavy. My uncle O.J. was quite a man. He and Dad (Noah J. Harper) were almost like twins. Their mannerisms were the same. They were both very hard working men. Very creative. And most of all loving. You will be missed uncle.
Love and Kisses
June 14, 2017
I have thought of him often through the years. Both Mr. & Mrs. Harper were such a good influence among the students @ Dale County HS.
Connie Gulledge Brackin
June 14, 2017
William Arnold
Rest in peace
June 14, 2017
Rev. Michael Hinshaw
My thoughts and prayers are with all at this time and the days and weeks to come. For God has called this giant man home to his loving arms.
All the years at Dale County , Mr. and Mrs. Harper not only brought a mode to teach us but should us dignity while teaching us all those that came through those hollowed doors. Mr. Harper was a huge man not just in size but in his heart as well.
June 14, 2017
Elizabeth Gissendaner Anderson
I feel blessed to have been a student of his. Learned so much in a short time. Of all the teachers I had, I never forgot him. Prayers to the family. Just know that he is finally home and we will meet again. One of a kind
June 13, 2017
Cindie Childree Stokes-Hagler
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Thought so much of Mr. Harper. He was always so kind and soft spoken.
June 13, 2017
Very saddened to hear this. As a former student, I can say he was a very intimidating teacher with his size. But after you got to know him, he was quite a gentle soul. Loved his many stories and often when I talk to past classmates he is always in the topic of conversation. Quite an accomplishment.
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