In Loving Memory of Miriam L. Harper

Best Cook Ever, Mama, Granny

December 20, 1940 – April 27, 2025

Dade City, Florida

Miriam L. Harper, age 84, of Dade City, FL, passed peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Beach House Memory Care in Wesley Chapel, FL. Born on December 20, 1940, in Alma, GA, to Emory and Blanchie Medders, Miriam lived a life of faith, family, and service.

A proud graduate of Bacon County Schools and Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, GA, Miriam married the love of her life, James O. Harper, on January 20, 1961, in her parents' home in Alma. The couple moved to Dade City in 1963 and have resided in the same home ever since.

Miriam devoted her life to her family and community. She worked as a substitute teacher in Pasco County schools, served as a bookkeeper at First Baptist Church and Robert Watson Realty, and volunteered with the Pasco County Fair Association, Kumquat Festival, and local voting polls. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, participating in choir, church activities, and baking countless sweets for various events and organizations. Miriam loved playing hymns on the piano, cheering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and proudly watching her children and granddaughter perform, race, and swim.

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, James O. Harper; daughter Tanya D. Harper; son Michael J. Harper and his wife Angela; granddaughter Morgan Harper O'Brien; step-grandchildren Kevin and Kieleah Westley; sister Millie Campbell; brother-in-law Fred Hand; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Miriam is preceded in death by her parents, Emory and Blanchie Medders; sisters Evelyn Hand and Sue Stephens; and nieces Becky Stephens and Karen Orvin.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 37511 Church Ave, Dade City, FL.

Viewing at 1:00 PM

Service begins at 1:45 PM

Graveside service to follow at 3:00 PM at Hodges Family Funeral Home, 11441 US Hwy 301, Dade City, FL 33525.

Refreshments will be served back at the church following the graveside service.

Miriam's warmth, generosity, and unmatched cooking will be remembered and celebrated by all who were blessed to know her.