Mary Lou Harper, age 75, of Petersburg, WV, died Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, VA.

She was born February 11, 1949, in Richwood, WV, a daughter of the late Glen and Mildred Pearl Kniceley McCoy. On September 14, 1968 she married Ernest Harper, whom she shared over 55 years with; one daughter, Christy Caine of Sutton, WV; one son, Lester Harper and wife Heather of Petersburg; five grandchildren, Kayla Nichole Underwood and husband Taylor of Beckley, WV, and Kurtis, Kyle, Kiersten and Kassidy Harper all of Petersburg; one great granddaughter, Claira Underwood of Beckley; one uncle, Charlie Kniceley and wife Peggy of Weston, WV and two brothers, Eddie McCoy and wife Mary and Gary McCoy and wife Reta all of Buckhannon.

Mrs. Harper was brilliant, graduating as valedictorian of her high school class. She spent most of her career as a legal secretary. In her spare time, Mary enjoyed collecting McCoy pottery and taking care of her many house plants. Above all, she absolutely lived for her family and nothing brought her more joy than spending time with them.

Friends will be received Friday, March 15, 2024, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Friday at the funeral home with Wilbert Harper officiating. Burial will follow in the Morrison Ridge Church Cemetery in Braxton County, WV.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. 

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