Wilma Burke Harper
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Mrs. Wilma Burke Harper, 71, entered into eternal rest on Monday, February 8, 2021 at University Hospital.
A private funeral service will be held in the coming days. Pallbearers will be: J.T. Atkinson; Edward Alexander Harper, III; Wade Hall; Michael Anzelmo; Ted Burke; and Paul Burke, Jr.
Wilma Burke Harper was born on December 2, 1949, in Sumter, South Carolina, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Lewis Burke of Alcolu. Wilma graduated from Manning High School in 1968 and from the University of South Carolina in 1972. She earned a degree in elementary education and was an educator in public and private schools throughout South Carolina until her retirement. For most of her career, Wilma taught seventh grade at Guinyard-Butler Middle School in Barnwell. Wilma treated her students as she did her own children and pushed them to reach their highest potential.
Wilma was deeply devoted to her family, and she watched countless dance recitals, baton competitions, cheerleading practices, and sporting events over the course of her life. She enjoyed playing the piano and loved to shag, the state dance of South Carolina. Most Saturdays in the fall you could find her at Williams-Brice Stadium or watching Gamecock football on television. Wilma was also an avid collector of antiques, dolls, and jewelry, and when her health began to decline, her only complaint was that she was not able to venture out to go shopping. For many years, she was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and at the time of her death, she was a member of Lincolnton United Methodist Church.
Wilma is survived by her husband, Edward Alexander Harper, Jr. of Lincolnton, Georgia; a brother, Anthony Reid Burke (Patti) of Summerfield, Florida; two daughters, Anne Marie Goldsmith Chotvacs (Charles) of Alexandria, Virginia, and Bonnie Goldsmith Anzelmo (Michael) of Columbia, South Carolina; a granddaughter, Samantha Burke Anzelmo; and a niece, Ashleigh Burke McClary (Jay) of West Valley City, Utah. Additional surviving children and grandchildren are Renee Harper Hall (Wade), Ronald David Harper (Ashley), and Edward Alexander Harper, III, all of Lincolnton, Georgia, and Natalie Ann Harper, Amelia Ruth Hall, Noah David Harper, Reese Alexander Harper, and Addison Elizabeth Harper. She was preceded in death by her parents and another brother, William Edmond Burke.
You may sign the family's online guestbook at: www.reesfuneralhome.net.
Friends may pay respects at and flowers may be sent to Rees Funeral Home 195 N Peachtree Street, Lincolnton, GA 706-359-3222.