Teresa Laddell McWaters Harper, 56, of Tifton passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at her sister’s residence in Ambrose following an extended illness. A graveside funeral service will be held for Mrs. Harper at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Union Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Lax, where she will be laid to rest. The Rev. Mitchell Deems will officiate. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at the graveside from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service.
Born January 16, 1965, in Orlando, Florida, Mrs. Harper was the daughter of Robert L. and Shirley Highsmith of Cleveland, Georgia and the late Barbara McWaters. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Amanda Payne; and three sisters, Charity Mayo, Kimberly Arrington and Marjorie Highsmith.
In addition to her father and step-mother, Mrs. Harper is survived by her husband, Chris Harper of Tifton; one son and daughter-in-law, Jesse and Ashley Harper of Tifton; one brother, Marvin Highsmith of Ambrose; five sisters and two brothers-in-law, Hattie Highsmith of Ambrose, Marie Dick of Chula, Jan Merrifield of Tifton, Marsha and Phil Laster of Jesup and Sherry and Sammy Reed of Germantown, Ohio; five grandchildren, Gary Jewel, Brooke Payne, Gregory Harper, Mason Harper and Braxton Harper; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.