Lida Mae Harper

Lida Mae Stephenson Harper, age 94, of Coleman, died Saturday, June 16, 2018, in the Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, in the Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dick Schultz officiating.   Interment will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  In honor of Lida Mae Stephenson Harper, please wear your favorite hat to her funeral service.

She was born Lida Mae Stephenson on March 9, 1924 in Leaday, Texas, the daughter of William Henry Stephenson and Mary Pinkston Stephenson.  She moved with her family at age 7 from Leaday to Gouldbusk, living in the Hardin area.  In 1940, she was in the first class that graduated from the new Mozelle School.  On October 5, 1942, she married Clifton Granville Harper in Coleman and she lived temporarily in Brownwood with her family until her husband was honorably discharged from the United States Army.  They then moved to Coleman and have lived here since that time.  He preceded her in death on August 15, 1992.  Lida Mae was an Independent Representative for Avon Products for 43 years.  She was active in the TOPS Club in Coleman, serving as president, as well as being a proud member of the Red Hat Society.  She loved hats and wore them every day and for all occasions.  She enjoyed playing dominoes and “42”, always every Tuesday, as well as any other day anyone wanted to play, and played until about two weeks ago.    She loved being with her family and playing all kinds of games with them.  She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Lida Mae loved Willie Nelson and after attending one of his concerts, she met Willie, whispered in his ear, “I want you to sing Unclouded Day at my funeral.”  Willie then called the band back on stage and they played an impromptu rendition of the song, just for her.  She was a lady with a lively personality who was full of fun.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Greg Harper of Coleman; two daughters, Nelda Gray of Arlington and Pam Harris and husband Jimmy of Cross Plains; one brother, Hubert Stephenson of Benbrook; nine grandchildren, Terry Strickland and wife of Caddo, Stephen Strickland and family of Burleson, Scott Strickland and Shelly Eldridge of Arlington, Cherita Reynolds and family of Little Elm, Jared Harris and family of Bryan, Jaonna Beck and family of Fort Worth, Hunter Harper of Coleman, Hayden Harper of Abilene, Hayes Harper of Coleman; twelve great-grandchildren, including Jagger Harris, who was born on her 94th birthday; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends, including her “42” Club friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Clifton in 1992; her son, Ronnie Harper in 1986; and her brother, Lester Stephenson, in 2014.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan Street, Coleman, Texas 76834.

You may leave condolences and remembrances for the family at www.livingmemorials.com.