Shirley Thomas Harper

Shirley Mae Thomas Harper was born September 9, 1960 in Des Moines, Iowa; the first child of Artie M. (Lewis) and Henry F. Harper.

Shirley advanced through the Des Moines Public School district where she finalized her education at Des Moines Technical High School. She worked a variety of jobs that included her taking care of the elderly. Shirley was also very proficient at creating designs in the hair of her clients where she would execute her French braiding skills. She had eclectic tastes and unique ways of decorating that made her stand out in the crowd.

Shirley was brought up in her Grandma Lewis' church, Jacobs Temple. later in her life she found Christ again at Elpis Christian Fellowship with her Pastor, Tammy Harris Brantley. It was there she was welcomed and appreciated.

Shirley married and shared her life with Frankie Thomas. Also, Shirley was married to Sam Smith. When she left this earth , Shirley was a single mother and a glorious Grandma; both titles she was extremely proud of.

Shirley was the sweetest person you would ever meet, in her own unique way. She loved helping people, where you needed it or not. She would tell you to be strong and how not to be weak. She governed the street in her neighborhood and would always let the kids on the block know the correct way to be right. She loved children and looked after them. She loved her music and you could hear it playing sometimes until the early morning. She loved singing along to the music and dancing. But not just any old dancing. Shirley loved gymnastics so her dance would sometimes include cartwheels, hand springs, round houses and flips. She could even do the splits and get up without help.

Shirley knew everybody, and everybody knew Shirley. She made an impact on anyone who made their way into her life. She loved people and cherished their lives. She was at the homegoing of countless people she knew and loved. She had a heart of gold and was quick to give what ever she could if you needed help.

Shirley's life and spiritual soul separated from her body to gain everlasting life on March 17, 2015. She will reconnect with her first born child, Jermaine Montez Harper; her grandmother, Evelyn Lewis; cousin, Monica Lewis; great cousin, Richard Lewis Jr and "Bubba"" Jeffrey Vincent Jr; and her dear friend, Sherwood Brown II.

The memories of her life will be cherish by her daughter, Yonae Hoover; her parents, Artie and Henry Harper; her siblings, Kevin (Donna) Burkett, Terry (Wanda) Harper, Kim Harper, Marta Harper and Elisa Harper and her precious grandchildren, Arnaeja, Obie and Derrick Hoover Jr, a host of extended family and many, many friends.





Cemetery Details Glendale Cemetery

IA,



Visitation prior to service

MAR 21. 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM

True Bible Baptist Church

4101 Amherst Street

Des Moines, IA, US, 50313

Funeral Service

MAR 21. 01:00 PM

True Bible Baptist Church

4101 Amherst Street

Des Moines, IA, US, 50313