Betty Lou Harper, lovingly known to so many simply as “Granny,” passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at the age of 91.
Born in Asheville, North Carolina, Betty Lou was the daughter of William Clayton Young, Sr. and Sarah Mae Bishop. From an early age, she carried the values that would define her life: faith, hard work, devotion to family, and quiet strength.
Betty Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband, F. Gordon Harper Sr., lovingly known as “Papa”; her daughter, Clara Marie Harper; and her great-grandson, Clifford John.
Betty Lou and Gordon were married on October 17, 1953, and faithfully shared life together for 68 years until his passing on November 13, 2021. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, perseverance, and unconditional love.
Betty Lou was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose life was marked by faithfulness, humility, and love. She believed deeply in family and dedicated her life to serving those she loved most.
For decades, Betty Lou faithfully stood beside Gordon, supporting him in marriage and working side by side with him through every business venture and season of life. While helping build a life and future together, Betty Lou never lost sight of what mattered most to her: her role as a wife, mother, and caregiver. She took those responsibilities seriously and carried them out with grace, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.
Betty Lou was the loving mother of her children and a proud grandmother whose influence shaped generations of her family. Her home was marked by warmth, steadiness, wisdom, and the kind of love that made everyone feel safe and cared for.
One of the greatest blessings of Betty Lou’s life was being able to see multiple generations of her family grow and flourish. She treasured every moment with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and especially the joy of holding her great-great-grandchildren.
Betty Lou is survived by her son, Gordy Harper, and his wife, Judy; her daughter, Angel George, and her husband, Michael George; her son, Chad Harper and his wife, Michelle; and her daughter, Dawn Myers and her husband, Abraham Myers.
She also leaves behind grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who were a constant source of joy and pride:
Ashley Collum and her husband, Travis Collum, and their children James and Grace
Sarah Cucci and her husband, Giuseppe Cucci, along with their children Daniel and Matteo
Charlotte Foster and her husband, Maxwell Foster, and their son, Arthur Foster
Cailey Joyce, Jeremy Harper Jr. and Jordyn Harper, Henry Myers and his wife, Sarah Myers, and their son Theodore, and Clara Myers.
Above all else, Betty Lou loved the Lord. After many years of faithfully walking with Christ, Betty Lou never stopped growing in her faith. Even in her later years, she remained eager to learn more about God and His Word, often engaging in meaningful conversations about what she was discovering and studying. Her continued hunger for truth and spiritual growth was an encouragement to all who knew her.
Though her family grieves her loss deeply, they rejoice knowing Betty Lou’s faith has become sight and that her legacy of love, faithfulness, hard work, and devotion will continue for generations to come.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Genesis Church, 15060 Old Cheney Highway, Orlando, Florida 32828.
Because Betty Lou deeply loved children, sports, and helping families in the community, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Ignite: Sports and Arts Camp at igniteorlando.org in her honor.