OBITUARY: Eileen Lynch Harper

Eileen Lynch Harper passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home early in the morning on August 6, 2024, at the age of 70.

Born on May 18, 1954, Eileen was a cherished sister, a dutiful wife, and a beloved mother and grandmother. From humble beginnings as one of eight children in Upstate New York, and after many adventures in the ‘70s, she settled down in the city of Dickson, TN.

Eileen will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family and her resilience in the face of adversity. She was intelligent, witty, generous, tough, determined, and strong-willed until the end of her life. Simply being in the company of family and friends filled her heart with gratitude, joy, and love. Her brother Tom’s consistent support meant the world to her.

From early days as a free-spirited trailblazer, Eileen later embraced a life of routine and consistency in the service of others. This shift was demonstrated by her career at the Dickson Housing Authority, which began in 1981 and spanned five decades, ending in 2023. She ran the Section 8 program, helping thousands when they needed it most and safeguarding the program’s efficiency and integrity.

In 1986, a transformative year for her as she would often recall, Eileen married Wyatt E. Harper III, welcomed her one and only child, Wyatt E. Harper IV, and graduated from Austin Peay State University. Eileen was a faithful wife and a proud, dedicated mother who always placed their needs and happiness above her own.

Eileen enjoyed completing daily crossword puzzles, reading novels, playing tennis (even founding a nonprofit, Match Point Tennis, with her husband and son), watching her grandnieces play softball, sharing wine on the back deck with her husband, and passing time in any way with her son and grandsons.

Eileen spent the last year of her life in the picturesque town of Wimberley in the Texas Hill Country, where she was very close to her son and his family. With the help of her compassionate caregiver Ariel and her dedicated physical therapist Guillermo, she was living pain-free and joyfully. She filled her days volunteering at the library, playing mahjong, studying with the “Bible Babes,” serving on the altar guild, and exercising in regular yoga and aqua fitness classes. She also walked over a mile every day, many times with her grandson Teddy sitting on top of her walker, both smiling contently.

Eileen never wanted to be a burden, and she never was. She was a steadfast source of unconditional love and support for her son.

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband Wyatt, brothers Michael Lynch, Peter Lynch, Jimmy Lynch, and sister Margaret (James) Bryant.

She is survived by her son Wyatt and his family: wife Amanda and two grandchildren Luca and Teddy, brother Tom (Sherry) Lynch, sisters Kathy Dooley and Pat (John) Pletl, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A visitation and funeral service will be held at the St. James Episcopal Church in Dickson, TN, on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of service at 2:00 PM. https://taylorsince1909.com

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