FRANKLIN — Bertha Brown Harper, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 20, 2018.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Buddy Harper; her parents, Tate Harvey Brown and Thursey Hudgens Brown; and a brother, Gordon F. Brown.

She is survived by her children, Becky Owens (Mark) of Columbus, Ohio; Janice Harper of Suffolk, Virginia; Susan Francis (Joey) of Franklin, Virginia; and Robert Harper Jr. (Mary) of Broad Run, Virginia; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Epstein (Ethan,) Ashley Moody (Spencer,) Grace Francis, Ben Francis, Robbie Harper and Catie Harper; a great-granddaughter, Adara Epstein.

Surviving siblings are Paul Brown (Ima,) Dorothy Hodges, Merrill Brown, Peggy Allen (Larry) and sisters-in-law, Sylvia Brown and Laura Whitlock. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was a retired bookkeeper and office manager.

Her priority in life was being a wife and mother.

Bertha was a voracious reader, loved crossword puzzles and enjoyed playing bridge.

The graveside service will be at 11 a.m., on Thursday, May 31, in Crestview Memorial Park, Highway One, La Crosse, Virginia, with the reception immediately following in Kingswood United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the RT Arnold Library, 110 E. Danville St., South Hill, VA, 23970.

Online condolences may be placed at www.farrarfuneralhome.net.

Farrar Funeral Home of South Hill is serving the Harper family.