Sarah W. Harper of Pensacola, FL, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
These are some of the moments and memories that shaped her story.
Sarah held deeply to the Latter-day Saints faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
What is held in faith is rarely lost.
Sarah W. Harper, 78, of Pensacola, Florida, passed peacefully from this life on April 30, 2026 surrounded by her children.
She was born on June 15, 1947, in Andalusia, Alabama, to Vernon and Levonia Williams. Sarah was raised in downtown Pensacola, Florida, where she made many childhood memories of school, meeting her sweetheart, and working her first job at the courthouse. When she spoke of her childhood, her eyes would sparkle. She would tell stories of simpler, but also challenging, times.
On August 4, 1967, she married Johnny Ray Harper, the love of her life. As a young mother, she was a devoted stay-at-home mom to four children. She made a special effort to celebrate all of her family's birthdays, graduations and other special events. She happily supported them in all of their activities. Following the death of her husband, Johnny Ray, she continued to support her family as both homemaker and provider working as an office manager for 20 years. She demonstrated to her family the values of courage, hard work, and steadfastness.
Sarah was one of the beloved mothers of Greenridge Drive where family, friends, and neighbors felt loved and welcomed. She was a remarkable woman known for her infectious laugh, strong and gracious demeanor, ability to nap on command, compassion, love for Tab cola, and dedication. Sarah showed her family what it meant to treat others with kindness and respect, not just sometimes, but always.
Sarah was very involved with her church family. She spent most of her lifetime serving and helping various members of the congregation. She willingly served in many different church positions throughout her life. Her love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, was exemplified through her service.
Last, but definitely not least, Sarah found great joy in "tittle-tattle" while preparing Sunday dinner for family and friends at her home, where they gathered around the table to laugh and enjoy many memories together.
Sarah is survived by her four children: Bryan (Lydia) Harper, Jennifer (Jacob) Smith, Benjamin (Cara) Harper, and Melissa (Joshua) Spiers; nine granddaughters: Meagan (Brynn) Olsen, Jacqueline Smith, Abigail (Brandon) Morse, Sydney Smith, Lily Smith, Claire Smith, Madelyn Harper, Reese Harper, and Kennedy Harper Spiers; and her sister-in-law, Lynn Williams.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents, Vernon and Levonia Williams; her husband, Johnny Ray Harper; and her brother, Nathan V. Williams.
A public visitation will be held on May 14, 2026 at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 9490 Fox Run Road, Pensacola, Florida 32514. A private family service will be held graveside at Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola, Florida.
Mom, we love you, and we will miss you. Thank you for every lesson, every story, every warm meal, and every gentle correction. You taught us that life isn't perfect, but it's beautiful when shared with honesty, humility, and heart. Mom, we will carry you with us in our hearts, in our stories, and in the way we live. And we will keep telling those stories, sharing that laughter, and honoring you by the way we love each other.
At the end of the workday, Sarah would come down the hall and say, "I've been all I can be. I'll see y'all tomorrow." Mom, your work here is done, and we'll see you again soon.
