I remember the first time I met Gladys Harper. It was the spring of 1984, and I had begun dating a really sweet guy from North Carolina. I made the trip over the mountains with him to meet his family for the very first time. And boy, what a family! Jeff's mom was one of ten children, complete with spouses, children and grandchildren. I remember worshiping that first Sunday at Warner's Chapel and meeting most of the family there. I'd never seen as many "family" members all together welcoming a young Tennessee girl into their midst!
One particular aunt and uncle I met that day were Jim and Gladys Harper. Jeff had told me how special they had been all during his life. He had told me how Jim and Gladys loved their family. Jim and Gladys had no children of their own, so they "adopted" many others in very special ways. Jim was "Santa" for years at the annual Harper Christmas party. Jim and Gladys selflessly helped nieces and nephews go to college -- Jeff was one of these. Jim and Gladys took on the daunting task of planning the yearly Harper reunions in Gatlinburg, and they did it because of their love for this family. And their family loved them right back! Katie, Colton and Conner all loved their great Uncle Jim and Aunt Gladys. Colton still has the little guitar that Santa Jim gave him when he was about four years old.
Jim and Gladys loved everyone. Jeff and I would make sure to visit with them when we would be in North Carolina. They both loved to talk, and could spend hours recounting things from the past. Their home was open to anyone, and it was a place of peace, happiness and smiles. You rarely entered into their home that Gladys didn't have some wonderful concoction cooking in the kitchen.
Jim and Gladys loved God. They both served tirelessly in various mission efforts and were a mainstay in the Warner's Chapel congregation in Clemmons, North Carolina. I'll always remember their "pew" in the building because that's where they could always be found if the Warner's Chapel family was together.
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| Katie wasn't quite sure what to think of Aunt Gladys on Halloween! |
Jim and Gladys loved each other. When Gladys began dealing with dementia many years ago, Jim took care of her. He guided her and showed patience and understanding as his sweet wife's memory faded. God's plan was for Jim to go to his eternity before Gladys, and she was absolutely lost without Jim. Although she didn't understand completely, Gladys just knew Jim was gone. She somehow contented herself, and with the loving care of family -- particularly her two nieces Leslie and Beverly, Gladys lived the remaining years of her life well cared for and loved. I think she knew in her heart that one day she'd be back with her beloved Jim.
Last night, Aunt Gladys left us. According to Leslie, she left in peace and quiet. That was Gladys' way in life, and that was Gladys' way in death. My heart smiles this morning to think about the Father and Jim welcoming Gladys to her reward; welcoming a good and faithful servant, whose race is finished and prize is won. Sending love to all the family in North Carolina and Tennessee.
