Mrs. Dora Ellen Harper, 90, of Crawford passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Coral Rehab Nursing Home.
Memorial Visitation:1-3pm, Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel.
Mrs. Dora was born in Oklahoma on September 6, 1933 to Mamie “Bunch” and Clovis Van Matre. She was raised in “The Valley” being the 5th of 12 siblings. She left home, moving to Marble Falls and eventually ending up in Waco. She worked for Southwestern Drug Company where she met Donald George Harper and later they married. They got married on May 18, 1963. Dora and Donald had two children, son Steven and daughter Donna. Dora loved people, she was a crossing guard at Crestview Elementary in Waco for a short time. Later the family moved to Crawford, TX. Dora worked at Crawford ISD for many years and loved many of the friends and family she made there. She worked in the cafeteria making cinnamon rolls and stew. She drove the bus and did custodial work. She eventually left the school and worked at Pharmerica and made many friends and called family as well. She and Donald spent many days helping with grandchildren. Dora and Donald raised Elizabeth Harper from a young age. They had many other grandchildren and spent many hours with them.
She is proceeded in death by her husband Donald Harper, son; Steven Dale Harper, parents, brothers; Ralph, Harvey, Melvin, Clovis, Bill, and Johnny, sisters; Alice, Clara, and Lois.
Dora is survived by brother; Joe Van Matre( wife) Jennifer and sister; Margie Strader(husband) Ashley, daughter; Donna King of Crawford and grandchildren; Christopher King and wife Constance of Round Rock, Samantha Sparkman and husband Dustin of Crawford, Chase King of Dallas, Granddaughter; Elizabeth Harper, Grandson; Stevie Harper, Great-grandchildren; Zander, Clarence, DJ, Anthony, Isabella, Jaxson.
There will be a Celebration of life at a later date. The family invite you to leave a message or memory.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
I was thinking of Dora only recently while remembering my years of working with her at Crawford ISD. Who can forget the old building that housed the lunch room. The stew was the best! Even though I’ve not seen Dora in years, I know she was a great mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her family. I know she will be missed.
Prayers for all of you at this time.
Dollie Isbell
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dora was a great lady and always had kind words to say to me.
Dora was a great neighbor, always willing to help if you needed it, and I will always remember her smile, don’t remember ever seeing her without that smile. My prayers for her family.
So sorry .prayers for you all.
I am glad I got to meet grandma. Such a wonderful person. You will be missed granny.
Love You Always Aunt Dora