Cleopatra Harper

Cleopatra B. Harper, 85, transitioned at her residence 1111 Custis Rd, Suffolk, Virginia on January 11, 2020. She was born January 3, 1935 in Nansemond County, now the city of Suffolk.  She was the daughter of Troy and Margaree Boone. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Leon Harper, her parents, brothers John J. “J.J.” Boone, Thomas Lee Boone and sister, Beatrice W. Reeves. Cleo graduated Valedictorian of the class of 1951 at “the East Suffolk School”. She furthered her education obtaining a Bachelors of Science Degree in Education from Virginia State University in 1955. She received her Masters in Education from New York University.  She retired from Portsmouth City Schools after 34 years of teaching. She was affectionately known as Cleo, lil’ sister, Baby, Aunt Cleo, Auntie and cousin Cleo.  She was a lifelong member of Canaan Baptist Church. She served in the New Ideal Working Club, Senior Choir, Young Ladies Choir, Children’s Choir, J.E. Arrington Gospel Choir, Pastor’s Aide, Missionary Club, Usher Board and the Candice Evelyn Darden Memorial Bible Class, formerly known as the Young Ladies Class. Cleo started cooking at a very young age, starting with pies. She loved wearing Sunday hats. Hats were her favorite clothing to wear. She leaves to cherish her memory goddaughter and niece Tanya B. Cyrus (Daryl), goddaughter Avis Shelton, devoted niece Arthalia Denise Kahan (Vernell), nephew Daryl A. Boone (Bonita), aunt Estella Powell, special niece Sheila Lewis, cousins Geneva Boone (Cleveland “Al”), Minister Leon Williams (Sarah), Delores Burke (Charles) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Special thanks to all of her caregivers from Home Instead Senior Care and Sentara Hospice. A celebration of life will be held at noon, Thursday, January 16, 2020 at Canaan Baptist Church, 2064 Nansemond Pkwy, Suffolk. She will be laid to rest in Canaan Baptist Church cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Cleopatra Harper, please visit our flower store.