Ella Mae Harp

"Harps Played the songs of our memories while the wind carried you to Heaven’s Gate"

Ella Mae Harp was born January 22,1947 in Braggadocio, MO; to Joe Lee Merritt Sr. and Luvenia Bethea (Merritt) She was one of seven children from their union. She departed this earth in the early morning hours of July 10, 2020, at home.

Ella Mae Graduated from Brandywine High School in Niles, Michigan. She was a self-taught person who worked hard to provide her family with everything possible. Ella was a feisty, straight forward woman; she was straight to the point in conversation. She didn’t leave room for guessing her opinion. She didn’t hold her tongue, but held her family and friends next to her heart. She loved and embraced all her nephews and nieces, spreading love, laughter, and joy with each of them.

"Boo Harp," as she was known by those close to her., was a woman who knew how to play her hand in Bid Whiz and Spades. She enjoyed listening to music, especially the soulful sounds of Aretha Franklin, oldies, and blues. A notable memory is her love of reading various books and drinking PEPSI (don't touch her last Pepsi).  

Ella is survived by three of her four children: Pastor Sandra Kay (Pastor Greg) Frazier, Sherrie Ann (Preston) Tucker, both of South Bend IN, and Thomas L. Harp Jr. of Killeen TX; a brother Daniel Merritt Sr. of Douglasville GA, Gracie Davis of Columbus, OH, and Willie M. Walker of Portage, MI, Barbara Franklin of Seattle WA; Ten grandchildren Brian (Monique) Frazier, Adrian Buish, Aaron Frazier, Quinton Buish, D'Vaughn Frazier, Tiffany Frazier, Michael Miller, Tyra M. Harp, Amber Deloach, and Robert Buish; Four great-grandchildren who she absolutely adored, Braylon Buish, Maylin Paskell, Emory Frazier, Andre Harp, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceding Ella in death is her daughter Gina Marie Buish, her parents Joe Lee Merritt Sr. and Luvenia Bethea (Merritt), stepdad, Ellis Bethea, grandmother Willie B. Miller, great grandmother Ella Freeman, four brothers: Johnny Merritt Sr., Melvin Merritt, Robert Merritt (Buddy), Joe Lee Merritt Jr. (Sonny), one Sister Alma Jean Madden, Venita L. Merritt closest friend and sister in-law and a very special nephew Allen Kyles (Tony).

Ella touched many lives by planting seeds of laughter, genuine concern, and love. She will be missed by many.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 12:00 NOON at Faith Apostolic Ministries 909 N. Bendix Dr. South Bend, IN 46628 with a private family viewing one-hour prior. Arrangements are Entrusted to Boyd and Son Funeral Home.

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