Celebration of Life for Reverend Melvin Harper, October 3, 1952 - January 11, 2014, Saturday, January 18, 2014, 11:00 AM, New Springfield Baptist Church, 2560 Sylvan Road, East Point, Georgia 30344, Rev. Dr. Robert F. Broughton, Officiating

CELEBRATION
October 3, 1952 -January 11,2014
Saturday January 18, 2014 11:00AM
2560 Sylvan Road
East Point, Georgia 30344 Rev. Dr. Robert F. Broughton. Officiating

Reverend Melvin Harper was born into this life on October 3, 1952, in Atlanta, GA to the late Henry Harper and Virginia Hailes Harper. He was the 11th of 12 siblings. He was educated in the Atlanta Public School system and was a graduate of Luther Judson Price High School, where he was given the nickname "Smirky" by the students because he liked to tell jokes. Rev. Harper attended the Upward Bound College preparatory program at Morris Brown College before attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. At Morehouse his major was Psychology and his minor was Engineering. Rev. Harper also attended Carver Bible College and Griffin Technical Institute where he received The Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership in Air Conditioning Technology on April12, 1995.
In 1975 he met Irene Dozier in a photography class at Washington High School in Atlanta, Georgia and after five years of dating they were married on August 22, 1981. To this union no children were born.
When he was 11 years old his mother told him that he was going to be a preacher. Rev. Harper was baptized at New Springfield Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Robert Frank Broughton. On April21, 1991, he was ordained as a minister by Rev. Dr. Broughton.
Rev. Harper was employed with Sears Roebuck & Company in the early 1980's. He later held a position with Wang Technology as a computer technician. He was an avid photographer and took pictures at various high school proms, football games and assembly programs. He was owner of H & H Photography where he took pictures of various weddings and other special occasions. He was also owner of H & H Heating & Air. He was a building and housing inspector for DeKalb County and a housing inspector for the City of Atlanta. Rev. Harper's final job was with the DeKalb County Fire and Rescue Department as a Fire Equipment Repair Technician where he was responsible for repairing the Drager mask worn by the fireman. He was featured on WSB-TV in an investigative report regarding the Drager Mask.
Rev. Harper loved the Lord so much that he studied His word diligently. For many years he preached God's word at churches, facilities and to individuals, while touching the lives of many people as he taught them about the Lord through bible history and scriptures. From July 31, 2008 he taught a bible class at Governor's Terrace, an elderly housing facility in Forest Park, GA. until November 7, 2013 when, because of failing health, he could no longer teach.
Rev. Harper was called home on Saturday, January 11, 2014. He was preceded in death by siblings, Pearl Williams; Henry Harper, Jr.; Helen Hernandez; Zenobia V. Dennis; and Launa Harper Saggus. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Irene Dozier Harper; three sisters, Ms. Veronita Sims; Ms. Remonia Weems; Ms. Alicia Hambrick; three brothers Mr. Austin (Portia) Harper; Mr. Sabre (Aicha) Hasan and Mr. Marlin (Rosetta) Harper; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Prelude

Processional Hymn

Going Up Yonder I 'll Fly Away

Scripture Readings Old Testament
New Testament

(Psalm 23)

Chaplain Micah Lemon

(DeKalb County Fire & Rescue)

(Revelations 21) Rev. Milton Broughton

Prayer

Rev. Harold Hughley

Selection:

I'm Gonna View That Holy City

Reflections (3 min Please)

Rev. Bobby Manual

Kerry Smith

Kathy Bull

Augustus Cook

Maureen Lee

Melvin Pointer

Dea. Jimmie Gowans

Family And Friends

Selection

Take Me To The King

Reading of Obituary (Read Silently)

Acknowledgements

Eulogy Recessional

Rev. Dr. Robert F. Broughton Caught Up To Meet Him In the Air

Kennedy Memorial Gardens 2500 River Road
Ellenwood, Georgia 30294
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New Springfield Baptist Church Immediately Fallowing Interment

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Honorary Flower Ladies
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The Harper Family wishes to thank everyone for your shared love, gestures of sympathy, your prayers and acts of kindness during our time ofbereavement.
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Donald Trimble Mortuary
1876 Second Ave Decatur, Georgia 30032
(404) 371-0772-3
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497 Peachtree Street Atlanta, Georgia 30308
1.877.513.3744