Mel Jones Harper

Mel Jones Harper, a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend to many passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, May 15th, 2024. A native of Greene County, Mel was born November 11, 1929, the daughter of Gilbert W. and Nan Harrison Jones. Reared in the Arba Community, Mel learned a strong work ethic alongside her parents on the family farms and developed a lifelong love of all animals, particularly American Saddlebred horses. Mel was an accomplished horsewoman in all facets from raising, to riding, to showing. In her later years, she enjoyed her horses the most at home in her backyard with her daughter and grandchildren. Mel's strong Christian faith began in her earliest days at Hull Road Original Free Will Baptist Church where she was a member until marrying Benjamin T. "Ben" Harper. Mel then became a member and active part of the congregation at Calvary Memorial United Methodist Church. Through her many years of membership at Calvary Memorial, Mel served on various church committees, was active in the United Methodist Women, and very much enjoyed her Sunday School and Bible Study groups. Mel possessed a rich knowledge and understanding of the Bible. One to never be idle, Mel served her community as Chairman of the Greene County Republican Party, as a member of the Greene County Board of Adjustments, a member of the Snow Hill Garden Club, and held the distinction of having been crowned Mrs. North Carolina in 1953 and continuing onward as a finalist in the Mrs. USA Pageant. Mel passed away Wednesday morning in the home she and Ben constructed in 1965. Mel loved her home and yard; she never tired of hunting antiques for just the right piece for just the right spot. In addition to her parents and husband, Mel was preceded in death by a son, Benjamin T. "Chuck" Harper, Jr.; and brother, Gilbert Wallace Jones. Her surviving family includes her daughter, Laura Harper O'Brien and husband Tom of Snow Hill; grandchildren, Benjamin T. "Ben" Harper III (Ann) of Stantonsburg, James H. Harper III (Meredith) of Snow Hill, Katherine O'Brien (Chelsea) of Raleigh, and Nancy O'Brien Mikels (Alex) also of Raleigh; great-grandchildren, Carson, Duke, Luke, Jake, Avery and Royce; a sister, Linda J. Jones of Snow Hill; a brother, Michael Bishop Jones of Snow Hill; her faithful companion and miniature schnauzer, Charlie; and many nieces and nephews of the Jones and Harper families. Funeral Services will be held 2 PM Monday, May 20th, at Calvary Memorial United Methodist Church with interment following at the historic St. Barnabas Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to the service in the Fellowship Hall of Calvary Memorial UMC and other times at the Harper residence. Mrs. Harper will Lie-In-Repose on Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM and Monday 8 AM to 12 PM at Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service for those desiring to pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to Calvary Memorial UMC, PO Box 445, Snow Hill, NC 28580, or Snow Hill Presbyterian Church, 105 SE 4th St, Snow Hill, NC, or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylor-tyson.com