Georgia (Beth) Harper

Georgia Elizabeth “Beth” Raifsnider Harper passed away on July 7, 2024 surrounded by her family at the age of 89.

Beth was born on August 9, 1934 in Fisher County to her parents, Elizabeth and Chester Raifsnider, Sr. Beth attended school in Glen Rose and played the bass drum in the high school band. In 1953, she married the love of her life, Clarence Kite “Pat” Harper, in Cleburne, TX. They moved to Hamlin where they raised their three children: Ivie, Patrick, and Mike. Beth and Pat shared 44 years of marriage before Pat passed away.

Beth loved her family and enjoyed caring for others. She worked as a secretary for Walton Well Services and was a receptionist for Hamlin Memorial Hospital. She served as the treasurer of Central Baptist Church in Hamlin for many years. In her retirement, she ironed clothes for many people in the community. Beth was an avid member of CMA and served many roles within the organization.

Beth lit up a room and was loved by all who knew her. She was meticulous with her make up and a fashionista. She was sure to jazz up any outfit with accessories. She enjoyed doing puzzles, drawing and spending time with her family. She will be lovingly remembered for her sparkle, wittiness, keen sense of fashion, and her iconic Christmas sweater.

Beth is preceded in death by her husband Pat Harper, parents Elizabeth and Chester Raifsnider Sr., sister Anne Stroud, sister Jane Lively, son Mike Harper, son Patrick Harper, son-in-law Daily Ponder, brother-in-law Audi Knox, and special friend Roy Williams.

Beth is survived by her daughter Ivie (Dickie) Wade of Hamlin, grandson Philip (Lanett) Ponder of Hamlin, granddaughter Becky Ponder of Hamlin, grandson Matt (Hayley) Harper of Hamlin, grandson Troy Harper of Hamlin, grandson Monty (Crystal) Harper of Odessa, grandson Eric Harper of Odessa, grandson PJ Harper of Odessa, great grandson Kyle (Lindsey) Ponder of Roby, great granddaughter Brooke (Joseph) Benavides of Hamlin, great grandaughter Kendra, great grandaughter Kayla, great grandaughter Karissa, great grandson Cori, great grandson Erick, great grandson Joseph, 13 great great grandchildren, daughter-in-law Tina Harper of Hamlin, daughter-in-law Barbara Harper of Odessa, brother Chester (Louise) Raifsnider of Glen Rose, sister Nelda (favorite brother-in-law Jim) Cowan of Cisco, sister Marie Knox of Forestburg, special friend Toby Lafler of Hamlin, and special friend Mary Abbott of Hamlin.