Jessie M. Harper

Ms. Jessie Marion Lilly Harper, affectionately known as Marion, was born on July 17, 1941, to the late James and Bessie Potlow Lilly at Good Samaritan Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. Raised in the Fairview Homes community, she was shaped by a loving family and a close community that helped nurture and her life.

Marion began her education at Oaklawn Community Center Kindergarten and later attended Fairview Elementary, Biddleville Elementary, Northwest Junior High, and West Charlotte Senior High School, graduating in 1959. After graduation, she relocated to New York, where she worked while continuing her education. Determined to grow professionally, she attended a paralegal institute and earned both an Associate Degree and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the State University of New York.

Marion dedicated more than thirty years of service to the people of New York State, beginning her career with the New York State Racing and Wagering Board before transferring to the New York State Attorney General's Office, where she served until retirement in 2006.

A woman of faith and vocalist, Marion served the Lord through music and ministry. In 1981, she joined Convent Avenue Baptist Church in New York City, where she sang with the Voice of Convent Choir as both soloist and narrator and served through Sunday School and the Sick and Shut-In Committee. After returning to Charlotte, she joined The Park Church in 2007 and sang with the Kingdom Voices Choir until around 2019. Gospel music and worship remained central to her life.

Family was a great joy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grafton Harper, and her four children, Robin, Tawanna, Daryl, and Cynthia. After the passing of her youngest daughter, Cynthia, in 2009, Marion stepped into the role of parent and caregiver, raising her granddaughters, Brianna Gaston from the age of six and Sahrianna Gaston from birth.

Marion also embraced many joys. She loved gospel music and many other genres, Broadway productions, shopping at Macy's, and special events at Madison Square Garden.

She leaves to remember her, granddaughters, Brianna Gaston, Sahrianna Gaston, Daleja Harper, and DaJanae Harper; her grandson, Jermaine Goodwin; her nieces, Carolyn Shipp (William) and June Leath; her nephew, Ronald Nail; and a host of extended family, church family, dear friends, and loved ones.

Though our hearts are saddened by her passing, we will hold her memories dear.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

“To know Marion was to know strength wrapped in grace, faith expressed through song, and love demonstrated through a lifetime of service to family, church, and community.