Dorothy Harper

Dorothy Romine Harper, a beloved schoolteacher and devoted mother, peacefully passed away at her home on February 13, 2024, at the age of 95. She was born on October 16, 1928, in Big Flint, Doddridge County, West Virginia, to the late Roy Guy Romine and Effie Davis Romine.

From a young age, Dorothy had a passion for education and music. After graduating cum laude from Salem College in 1949 with AB Degrees in Music and English, she embarked on a fulfilling career in primary education. Dorothy dedicated 22 years of her life to shaping young minds, with teaching positions at Romney High School, Petersburg High School, and Moorefield Elementary School. Her love for music shone through, as she enthusiastically directed her students in various performances and participated in music showcases and televised programs.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dorothy actively contributed to her community. She served as the president of Delta Kappa Gamma and Hardy County CEOS, lending her expertise and support to these organizations. She was a life-time member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She shared her musical talents by accompanying community cantatas in Moorefield and Petersburg. Furthermore, Dorothy generously gave her time to the Tri-County Fair committee and was instrumental in fostering unity and engagement within her local community.

An active member of Bakers Chapel United Methodist Church, Dorothy's connection with music extended to her spiritual life. For over seven decades, she passionately played the piano, using her gift to uplift congregants during worship services.

Dorothy's loving and nurturing spirit extended beyond her career and community involvement. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Paul Judy Harper, for 56 years, creating countless cherished memories together. As a mother, she raised three children, Donna Reckart (Steve), John Harper, and Roy Harper (Barb), instilling in them the values of kindness, compassion, and the importance of education.

Family was paramount to Dorothy, and she adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love and fond memories for her grandsons, Nathan Bergdoll (Kirstie), Adam Harper, and her step-granddaughters Jessica Bowers (Stuart) and Jessica Wilfong (Sean). Her great-grandchildren, Cooper Dice Bergdoll and the soon-to-arrive Beckett Hayes Bergdoll, brought immeasurable joy to her life, along with her step-great-grandchildren, Harley Bowers and Hunter Bowers.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her loving husband, parents, and siblings. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, former students, and all who had the privilege of knowing her kind and nurturing nature.

A funeral service to celebrate Dorothy's remarkable life will begin 11:00 AM Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Fraley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Washington Street, with Pastors Dan Sterns, Rick Bergdoll & Harold George officiants. Following the ceremony, she will be laid to rest beside her late husband in the family plot at the Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, February 16, 2024, from 3 – 7 PM at the funeral home.

As we mourn the loss of Dorothy, let us celebrate the legacy of love, kindness, and inspiration she leaves behind. May her soul find eternal peace and may her memory forever be a source of comfort and inspiration to all whose lives she touched. The family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Baker’s Chapel United Methodist Church, c/o Ellen Harper, 6573 US HWY 220S, Moorefield, WV 26836. Expressions of condolences, shared memories and cherished photographs may be left on Dorothy’s Tribute Wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com , honoring her remarkable journey and the impact she made in the lives of those she touched.

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