It is with deep love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Sally Lane Harper, 96, who went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025.
A celebration of Sally’s life was held from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Aug. 30, at First Baptist Church in Starkville followed by family graveside service at 2 p.m. in Woodlawn Cemetery in Grenada. The family invited all who loved her to join in honoring a life so beautifully lived.
A woman of unwavering faith, Sally was the backbone of our family – steady, strong and full of grace. She lived her life guided by her love for God and her devotion to her family, setting an example of kindness, resilience and unconditional love.
Sally shared a beautiful life in Grenada with her true love, Dr. John Davis “Dinky” Harper, who faithfully served the community as a dentist. Sally worked alongside him in the office, wearing many hats with grace and dedication. Together, they built a life that reflected devotion to their work, their community, their church and, most of all, their family.
Sally also had a deep love for flowers and gardening and was a longtime member of the Grenada Garden Club. She found joy and peace in tending to her flowers and plants with the same care and devotion she gave to her family. Her garden was a reflection of her spirit – vibrant, nurturing and full of life.
Her husband, John Davis Harper; son, David Lane Harper; father, John Marshall Lane; mother, Cora Taylor Lane; brothers, Purvis Lane and Charlie Lane; sister, Mary Lane, and great grandson Patton Crews Burkhalter, preceded Sally in death.
Survivors include, her two daughters, Cathy Harper Godwin (Carlie) and Robin Harper Jones (Brian); grandchildren, Lindsey Burkhalter (Brooke), Candice Brown, Erin McElroy (Taylor), Patrick Jones, Sarah Beth Phelps (Cole), Harper Arnold (Amye) and Taylor Arnold (Mary), and great grandchildren, Edie Godwin; Ayden Burkhalter, Rollins Burkhalter, Crews Burkhalter, Morgan McElroy, Mahlon McElroy, Jacob McElroy, Isabella Brown, Gabrielle Brown, Walker Phelps and Emma Phelps.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Neighbors Heart Private Care Providers for their devoted care and support. Also the skilled care provided by Cecilia Bankhead during Sally’s final days. Our family was profoundly blessed by Kenyatta “Tonia” Wells, an especially important caregiver whose love and tireless care over the last four years will never be forgotten.
Sally’s life was a testimony of God’s goodness, and her presence will be deeply missed, but forever cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.
Pallbearers were Carlie Godwin, Brian Jones, Brooke Burkhalter, Taylor McElroy, Harper Arnold, Taylor Arnold, Cole Phelps, Rollins Burkhalter, Patrick Jones, Mahlon McElroy, Jacob McElroy and Crews Burkhalter.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Starkville Academy, 505 Academy Road, where Sally’s grandchildren or great grandchildren have attended since 1984.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service was charge of arrangements.
