Obituary of Mother Nora B Harper

Nora Belle Harper was born on August 9, 1931 to the late John and Susie (Smith) Barco in Norfolk County Virginia. We bow in submission to God’s holy will as she departed this life on Tuesday May 7, 2024. We are ever so grateful for the 92 years of her life. She was the middle child of nine, three brother’s and one sister older and four younger brother’s. She was educated in the Norfolk County School system where she graduated her eighth-grade class valedictorian. She met and married Charles Atkin Harper (deceased) and to this union they were blessed with two daughters Patricia and Coretta. She was also predeceased by her partner in life and companion James Charles Tiggett Sr. (Jimmy aka Pop). Nora moved from Chesapeake Virginia to Bridgeton NJ in 1968. She was briefly employed at the Bridgeton Hospital. She also continued her education attending the Salem County Technical Institue School Of Business. Nora loved her family, fishing, gardening, traveling and entertaining in her home. The party, barbeques and card parties were always at her house. Mother Nora Harper grew up in a godly home her mom (Mother Susie Barco) was a faithful member of the Bethlehem COGIC (Grassfield) Chesapeake, VA. Under the leadership of superintendent Solomon Ferebee. Her father (Brother John Barco Sr) was a faithful member of Divine Baptist Church Chesapeake, VA. She would tell stories of growing up, attending and being apart of both churches. In the year of 1997 Mother Harper started attending In His Image Evangelical Ministries under the leadership of it’s founding pastor Bishop Dennis and Elect Lady Cheryl Thompson. She came into the church with a smile and a praise on her lips. She instantly submitted and committed herself to the leadership of the ministry to served where ever she could. She became a member of In His Image Evangelical Ministry, completed the Discipleship Training, was baptized and making history again as a 2006 and a 2007 graduate of the Cumberland Bible Institute (Now) Last Day Remnant Bible College (Senior Class) under the leadership of Dean: Dr Elizabeth English. Mother Harper served faithfully until her health started to decline. Over the years she’s served as Sunday school teacher, Senior choir member, Outreach visitation ministry, Mother’s board and she ungirded whatever ministry was operating. She thoroughly enjoyed traveling to various Day Centers actively ministering and demonstrating the love of God. From the Adult Day Center, Fairton Adult Day Center, The Self Assist Center also the Active Day Center. She also received, South Jersey Healthcare Volunteer Recognition Certificate of Achievement for completing 10 years of volunteering. To be the church Mother of In His Image Evangelical Ministry was very defining for Mother Harper. With sincerity and commitment she accepted the roll of church Mother she would often pray and ask God how was she to fulfill this responsibility to his pleasing. When her health started to decline she said she would ask Bishop to select another mother because she was longer able to carry out the duties and responsibilities of church Mother. She was about seeing people lives being changed by the Word of God. She would often say there is nothing greater in this life than seeing people giving their life to Christ. “Now that’s when you had church”. Mother Harper loved her church family she told her natural family when her health started to decline I am not leaving my church family. Mother Harper also loved her family and she was a lover of people. She was called God-Mom or Aunt by so many. I can see her smile. She was predeceased by all eight of her siblings William, James, Delia, John Jr, (Nora), Oliver Sr, Kenneth, Charles, Leonard. She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy one sister-in-love Dorthy (Harris) Barco, Plainsfield, NJ, two daughter’s Patricia (Pat) Turpin (Gary) Charlotte, NC, Coretta Mack (LaMark) Cedarville, NJ, nine grandchildren Coretta (William), Gary Jr (Talibah), Andre (Nesha), Mark, Daymar, Jamar (Kristyn), Darron, Tyrell, LaMiah twenty four great grand children and two great great grands. One God son Charles Gary Barco III and one God daughter LaShawn Rainner a host of nieces, nephews, two special adoptive grandsons, other relatives, friends and a loving church family.