Dr. Williard F. Harper

“Grass dries up, and flowers wither, but the word of our God will last forever.” Isaiah 40:8 Williard Flemmett Harper, son of Huel and Fannie Veal Harper, was born August 1, 1922 in Conyers, Georgia. His sole sibling, Huel Harper Jr., preceded him in death in 1995. He serves as a role model for youths in Greater Cleveland. He grew up in Cleveland and attended Cleveland Public Schools. He earned his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College, master's degree from Western Reserve University and Ph.D from the Sorbonne, University of Paris, where he honed and perfected his fluent French speaking capability. He has taught at institutions of higher education in this country to include Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, the scene where the movie, The Great Debaters, starring Denzel Washington was based. Dr. Harper spent 25 years abroad working as a United Nations' representative (1959 – 1984), establishing missions in various African countries. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected woman president, was a notable student/confidante of Dr. Harper. During this time, Harper purchased and received artifacts as gifts, representing the elite quality and artistry of many indigenous African ethnic groups. Harper donated his extensive collection of African art for display to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History where he served as a board member. He served in the army during World War II. During his time in the army, Harper was interviewed by the United States Army concerning the propaganda utilized by the U.S. in order to incite blacks to fight the Japanese and Germans. When questioned by army reporters Harper responded, “I am loyal to my country and am a patriot fighting for liberty. I need no incitement to do the right thing; however because you feel the need to coerce blacks to fight such evil, indicates to me (us) that to some degree you know your treatment of and feelings towards blacks are wrong.” Dr. Harper stood for what was right, enjoyed people, and loved life. He loved but never married and had no children; however, he possessed a gentle nurturing spirit which drew people to him. In the early morning hours of November 23, 2015 and at the age of 93, Dr. Harper transitioned to glory and left behind all his worries, aches, and pains. He is survived by a community of people who have been positively affected by his life and are passing the stories of his wonderful legacy to the younger generation. Near the end of his life, he routinely stated James 4:14, “Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone;” spend your time wisely and make the most of it. Dr. Harper accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, acknowledged that he was a sinner, that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light and by accepting Jesus into his heart was the only way his name would be written in the Lambs Book of Life and be admitted into heaven to be with Him forever.

Dr. Williard F. Harper

August 1, 1922 - November 23, 2015