Barbara A. Harper

Though her Song may have ended, the Melody plays on. The memory we cherish today is filled with an abundance of love, laughter, and admiration.

In the early morning of March 18, 2026, at Riddle Hospital in Media, PA, Barbara A. Harper peacefully departed this life following a sudden and brief illness. She was 88 years old. Barbara resided in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, with her daughter.

Barbara A. White was born on September 8, 1937, in Sanford, North Carolina, to the late Daniel and Lois White. At an early age, she and her younger sister, Helen (who preceded her in death in 1970), joined Star of Hope Baptist Church, where their family was active until they moved to New York.

A brilliant and gifted student, Barbara graduated as valedictorian of Lee High School (W.B. Wicker) in 1955. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree with honors in 1959 from North Carolina College at Durham (NCCU). While an undergraduate, Barbara proudly pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., embracing a lifelong commitment to public service inspired by her upbringing.

After college, Barbara moved to New York and in 1960 married Lommier Dean Harper, fondly known as L.D., (who preceded her in death in 2008). They settled in Springfield Gardens (Jamaica, Queens), where she built a life for nearly 60 years. From this union Lorraine Donette was born.

Balancing work and family, Barbara continued her education at Adelphi University, earning her Master of Social Work in 1969 while maintaining an exceptional academic record. She dedicated more than 30 years of service to the New York City Department of Social Services, Child Welfare Administration (now the Administration for Children's Services), where she retired in 1994 as a licensed social worker supervisor. Known as a no-nonsense leader, Barbara is also remembered for organizing NAACP fundraisers, membership drives, and serving as the spirited "hype hostess" for workplace celebrations. She also had a special gift for writing heartfelt poems, tribute raps, and songs.

Music was always in Barbara's soul. As a teenager, she sang and played piano for an ensemble at her church in NC. Later, she served for many years as pianist and youth choir director at Springfield Gardens United Methodist Church, where her husband and daughter were members. Barbara herself was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church in Jamaica, New York.

Barbara's love for family, young people, and education was boundless. She provided unwavering support and guidance to relatives and friends alike. Her passion for community service extended throughout Springfield Gardens, where she and L.D. held leadership roles in several organizations such as the Taxpayers and Citizens Association and the Springfield Gardens Ambulance Corps.

Those who remain to share the glory of her life and the sadness of her death include: her devoted daughter, Lorraine Harper Holley of Chadds Ford, PA (where Barbara last lived) and her Pride and Joy, her granddaughter Laurelle Day Holley of St. Croix, USVI and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Barbara's honor to a one of the following causes:

1) NCCU - her alma mater or ANY institution of higher learning or
2) The NAACP - an organization near and dear to her heart. She held many fundraisers & membership drives for them or
3)www.usagainstalzheimers.org/