Mrs. Edna Rowland Harper, 86, a resident of 124 Pondora Drive, Washington, died Thursday, March 29, 2012, at her home.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Pamlico Memorial Gardens in Washington, conducted by Billy Ray Askew.

Mrs. Harper was born in Beaufort County on Jan. 7, 1926. She was the daughter of the late William Jesse Rowland and Lalla Pearl Bennett Rowland. Mrs. Harper was a graduate of Bath High School and Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College). She received her master’s degree from East Carolina Teachers’ College (now East Carolina University). Mrs. Harper taught school in public school systems for 45 years.  In her spare time, she enjoyed square dancing, attending church and taking care of her family.

Mrs. Harper was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Harper; two sons, John Carlton Harper and William Jeffrey Harper; and three sisters, Lalla Ruth Rowland, Georgia Askew and Margaret Hewett.

She is survived by her brother, Bill Rowland, and his wife Rose of Washington; her sister, Rebecca Wallace of Pinetown; her grandson, Caleb Steven Harper of Pikesville; her granddaughter, Melissa Harper Banks, and her husband Phil of Washington; her daughter-in-law, Jackie Lewis Harper of Washington; four great-grandchildren, including Abigail Olivia Banks of Washington, many nieces and nephews and her dog and constant companion, Jenny.

The family will receive friends at the home, 124 Pondora Drive, Washington, after the service.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Community Home Care and Hospice, 814 Washington Plaza, Washington, NC  27889.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home and Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Harper family.