Mary Kathleen Harper

Mary Kathleen Harper, known affectionately as Kathleen or Nanny to her friends and family, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July 22, 2025, in Pickens, SC, at the age of 77. Born on January 31, 1948, in Chesnee, SC.

Kathleen was the daughter of the late James Forrest Walker and Hazel Irene Carroll. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Charles Harper. Kathleen was the mother to five children: Zina Rakes, Ronnie Rakes (Amanda, MaKayla), Katrina Rakes, Ray Harper, and Ferris Chappell (Matt). She was the grandmother to Joshua, Joseph, Nikkia, Natasha, Destiny, Quentin, Wesley, Brandy, Kaleb, Graeson (Victoria), Ayden, Ethan, and Lillian, and the great-grandmother to Phoenix, Zevadiah, Karmyn, Kimber, Kason, Nadia, Elijah, and Natalia. She also leaves behind her dear friend Angie, whom she loved just like a daughter.

Kathleen worked hard her whole life, spending more than 30 years in the textile mill industry. In the 1990s, she also took pride in helping build parts for pacemakers at a facility in Liberty, SC — a job that supported the lifesaving efforts of St. Jude.

Kathleen will be remembered as genuine, honest, and not one to hold back her opinion. Friends and family will always remember her interjections and the phrases she used so often in daily conversation. Her grandchildren were the love of her life. Kathleen loved her family and treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren, whom she affectionately referred to as her “Boogers.”

Kathleen unable to drive, loved when her family would invite her over for supper — she rarely said no. Time with her loved ones meant everything to her, and her presence always made things feel special.

Her faith in Jesus was central to who she was. In her final months, that faith became her greatest source of strength. She spent time each day in prayer, leaning on her Savior for comfort and peace as she faced her declining health.

Kathleen will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A private service at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery will be held at a later date.