Claire Harper

Fannie Claire Timbes Harper, 93, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, in Terrell, Texas. Born on June 10, 1931, in Mobile, Alabama, Claire lived a life marked by devotion—to her family, her faith, and the communities she served with grace and joy. Claire was the daughter of Finnie Harmon Timbes and Fannie Belle Mullinex Timbes. She grew up surrounded by music and love, gifts that would shape her life’s journey. From an early age, Claire displayed a remarkable talent for singing. Though she received formal training, her soprano voice was a natural gift—clear, strong, and soaring. She performed as a soloist in school and church choirs, at community events, and for weddings and funerals throughout her life. In the early years of her marriage to H.D. Harper, Claire dedicated herself fully to raising their four children and creating a warm and secure home. Her nurturing spirit and joyful heart were the foundation of their family life. After two decades devoted to motherhood, Claire rediscovered a passion for business. She became a store manager before taking on the role of head cashier at Terrell State Hospital. After retiring from TSH, she continued to work at Lone Star Credit Union until her second retirement. Faith was central to Claire’s life. No matter where she and H.D. moved during their early years together, one of her first acts was to find a Methodist church for her family. She would introduce herself to the choir director with characteristic confidence: “My name is Claire Harper and I am a soprano soloist.” Her dedication never wavered—she never missed church. Locally, she served as interim choir director for First Christian Church but was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Terrell. After retiring to Poetry, Texas, she and H.D. attended Poetry United Methodist Church where she led the music ministry with heartfelt enthusiasm. Later, she returned to First United Methodist Church where her faith continued to sustain her. Claire’s legacy lives on through her loving family: her daughter Elaine Renfro and son-in-law Gary Renfro; her daughter Sharon Boney; her son David Harper and daughter-in-law Cheri; and her son Dempsy Harper and daughter-in-law Scarlet. She was a proud grandmother to Jennifer Root (and husband Nick Zhang), Donovan Root (and wife Crystal Hopper), Mary Jo Boney, Andrew Boney (and wife Charlie), Charissa Harper, and Henry Harper. Her great-grandchildren—Ian Boney, Silas Boney, Bruce Root, Roland Root, Vannah Turner, and Adalind Root—brought her immense joy. She also held dear her nephews John Tiner and Harral Robin; a brother-in-law; three sisters-in-law; step-grandchildren; and step-great-grandchildren. Claire was preceded in death by her beloved husband H.D. Harper; her parents Finnie Harmon Timbes and Fannie Belle Mullinex Timbes; her sisters, Alma Robin and Helen Tiner; her nephew, Mack Harmon Tiner, niece, Robyna Prescott, and son-in-law Randy Boney. Those who knew Claire remember her as someone born with a happy heart—a woman who uplifted others with God’s love flowing through her words and actions. Whether leading music in church or offering comfort through song at life’s most sacred moments, she served with humility and joy wherever she was needed. A celebration of Claire's life will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, Aprl 19, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Terrell, Texas with interment to follow at Campground Cemetery. Her family will receive friends beginning at 10:00am to service time. May her memory bring comfort to all who were touched by her presence. In lieu of flowers, donations to First United Methodist Church in Terrell at https://fumcterrell.churchcenter.com/giving or to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org would be appreciated.

Tributes

Claire Harper

April 13, 2025