Juanita 'Betty' Harper

Danville- Juanita J. "Betty" Harper, 90, wife of Herb Harper, passed away on Friday, June 29, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Betty, daughter of Audrey and Ethel True, was born December 27, 1921, in Benton, Illinois. She married Herb on May 30, 1941, and he survives. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in May. Other survivors include a brother Bob (Janet) True of Danville; two sons, Doug (Cheri) Harper of Greer, SC, and Mark (Rebecca) Harper of Danville; three grandchildren, Adam Harper of Urbana, Hilary (Chris) Rikard of Greer, SC; and Ben (Miranda) Harper of Greenville, SC; and six great grandchildren. Besides her parents Betty was predeceased by a brother, Audrey (Mike) True, a sister Bonnie (True) Smith and a granddaughter Kristi (Harper) Kempf. Betty graduated from Danville High School and was a long-term member of Central Christian Church in Danville where she faithfully led her sons weekly in their youth. Behind her family and her church came her commitment to the schools and children of School District #118. She was bestowed with a Danville P.T.A. life membership after having served as president of both Cannon School P.T.A. and the Danville Council P.T.A. Her many other activities included Past President of Family Service, Past Chair of the Home Harmony Section of the Danville Woman's Club and charter member of Danville's Community Action Program. Other organizations she served were United Way, Red Mask Theater, United Commercial Travelers, American Heart Association and Multiple Sclerosis Society. In her early married years while Herb was serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Betty worked as a supervisor for Illinois Bell. When the boys were born, she took time to focus on supporting their various activities. She later worked for School District #118 and retired after 24 years of service. In addition to her charitable activities Betty enjoyed numerous family activities and reading. She had a giving heart and was always there for family, friends and strangers. Her life was truly a blessing to all in her path and in ways that will live on in our hearts. The funeral service for Betty Harper will be held at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville on Thursday, July 5, at 2pm. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive visitors beginning one hour before the service. Memorials may be made to Central Christian Church or the Danville District #118 Community Foundation. Please join Betty's family in sharing memories, photos, and video of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.