Edna Mae (Wynder) Harper

Edna Mae Harper, 85 of Salisbury, Maryland peacefully departed this life to be with the Lord on Friday, March 31, 2023, at Coastal Hospice in Salisbury, Maryland.

Edna was born on November 21, 1937, to the late John Alfred Wynder and Rachel Smith Wynder in Cheriton, Virginia. Edna received her education from Northampton High School in Eastville, Virginia, and graduated in 1954.

She was employed at Northampton Accomack Memorial Hospital in Nassawadox, Virginia during her early age as a nurse’s aide. She worked at Campbell Soup Company for over 20 years. She also worked as a private seamstress and did residential housekeeping within the Salisbury community.

Edna was united in holy matrimony to the late Joseph Harper Sr. on June 8, 1955. They were blessed with three children—Larine, Josie, and Joseph Jr. Edna made sure they were taught about Jesus and understood that Jesus is Lord!

Edna has been a faithful member of St. James A.M.E. Zion Church for over 50 years. God blessed Edna with the gift to sew. For many years she did alterations and mended robes for the late Rev. Dr. Charles H. Mack. She also sewed for other members of St. James and her community. She designed and made hats for various usher boards of St. James and other churches. For more than 30 years, she served on the Hospitality Committee, was the Class
Leader of class #20, a member of the Senior Adult Sunday School Class, and a member of the Senior Female Usher Board. As an usher, she loved greeting the church members/visitors and would march with excellence.

Edna had many hobbies. She enjoyed the outdoors and loved gardening during that season. She also loved canning preserves to share with family and friends. She volunteered for the “Brown Bag” to give food to the needy and community. She loved reciting poems and putting puzzle pieces together. She enjoyed sharing her talents with the seniors at the Salvation Army. Edna was truly blessed by God with the gift of help.

Edna leaves to cherish loving memories of her daughter Josie (William Byron) Battle Jr. of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and her son Joseph (Ruth) Harper Jr. of Eastville, Virginia; three grandchildren: Krystal (James “Jay”) Bratten Jr. of New Castle, Delaware, Nicole Harper of Laurel, Maryland, and William Byron Battle III of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania; three great-grandchildren: Janiya Bratten and Austin Bratten both of New Castle, Delaware, and Kalise Choice of Laurel, Maryland; her siblings: Sarah Morris of Cheriton, Virginia, and Booker T. (Carrie) Wynder of Cheriton, Virginia: her brother-in-law Robert (Sylvia) Harper and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Edna truly had the heart of a servant and she was dearly loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph W. Harper Sr.; her daughter, Larine Harper; and her two siblings, Corine Roselle, and John Wynder Sr.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most-High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
 

Lovingly Submitted by 

The FAMILY