Elma Frances Clifton Harper, 95, passed away at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock on Friday, July 8, 2022. Born in Brinkley, Arkansas July 7,1927, she was the daughter of Mason William and Myrtle Jeannette Clifton, and the godchild of William Folsom. After graduating from Brinkley High School, she earned her bachelor of science degree in bacteriology from Mississippi State College for Women in 1948. She then completed training as a
medical technologist at Mercy Hospital in Vicksburg, MS. She met the love of her life John E. Harper in Vicksburg, and they were united in marriage on June 18, 1950. They were married 68 years when John passed away in 2018 at the age of 95.
Frances worked 28 years for the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic in Vicksburg. She also enjoyed volunteer work with underserved communities. She combined her love of teaching and medical expertise by participating in several mission trips. An active member at First Baptist, she taught Sunday School classes for children, women and senior adults. She took great joy in teaching a Sunday School class at Trace Haven Nursing Home for many years.
In 1986, Frances and John moved to Brinkley where they owned and operated KBRI/KQMC radio station for ten years. They immersed themselves in the life and ministries of First Baptist Church and the community. Whenever asked about her numerous volunteer roles Frances said, "Anytime you can give back to the community, you should." She enjoyed her time as president of the Brinkley Lions Club; chairperson of the Water and Sewer Commission and the annual Christmas parade; board member for the Monroe County Equalization Board, Brinkley Chamber of Commerce and governor-appointed board member of Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute; secretary/treasurer for the Monroe County Human Development Center; and Vice President of the Round Table Literary Club. The Brinkley Chamber of Commerce honored her as the 1996 Brinkley Citizen of the Year.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Buddy Clifton and stepmother Chloe Clifton.                                                        She is survived by three children, James (Peggy) Harper of Vicksburg, MS, Jeannette (Jack) Williams of Springfield, VA, and Marty Harper of Madison, MS. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Jamie (Hardy) Pittman of Mississippi, Daryl (Daphne) Harper of
Arkansas, Dan (Sarah) Williams of Maryland, and Kelly (Aaron) Krause of Virginia; seven great grandchildren and another on the way; her sister Flora Jean Elledge of Cabot; two sisters-in-law, Betty Clifton of Cabot and Kate Harper of Hattiesburg, MS.; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Saturday, July 16, at First Baptist Church of Brinkley. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the start of the service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Brinkley.

Memorial gifts may be made to UnderDog Rescue, 338 Mill Road,
Cotton Plant, AR 72036 or First Baptist Church of Brinkley.
Arrangements provided by Bob Neal and Sons Funeral Home of
Brinkley.