ELLA MAE HARPER

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Obituary

Ella Mae (Snead) Harper Obituary

Ella Mae Johnson Snead Harper was born January 11, 1936, in Sumter County, South Carolina, the second of eight children and the only girl, to her loving parents, Samuel Johnson, Sr., and Chanie Johnson. Both preceded her in death. On July 29, 2026, Ella Mae departed peacefully from labor to reward in Greenville, SC.

Ella Mae, affectionately known as “Sister” to her family and close friends, grew up in a loving, Christian family. Early family reflections of Ella Mae include her mother teaching her to cook and wash dishes at an early age. She quickly became a “mother hen” to her younger brothers, which she enjoyed. The church was always a central focus of the family. Ella Mae enjoyed attending and participating in church activities with her family. Ella Mae accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at age 13, joining the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Maysville, SC.

Ella Mae was educated in the Sumpter County Public School System through the 11th grade. She easily made friends and excelled in school, completing the 11th grade at 15 years of age. With her parents’ encouragement and support, Ella Mae enrolled in the 12th grade at Harbison Junior College in Irmo, South Carolina, in September 1951. She successfully completed her senior year of high school and two years of college in June, 1954. Ella Mae continued her education, pursuing the field of nursing. She enrolled and successfully completed her nursing degree in Cordele, Georgia, in 1956.

Ella Mae began her nursing career at Phoebe-Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia. Ella Mae was joined in holy matrimony to Joseph Snead in 1958. To this union, Ella Mae’s son, Herman F. Snead, the joy of her life, was born in 1959 in Albany, Georgia.

In 1960, Ella Mae relocated to Clairton, Pennsylvania, where she had a number of relatives. She quickly found employment at McKeesport Hospital and enjoyed a successful nursing career for more than thirty years.

Ella Mae joined Morning Star Baptist Church on her Christian experience on November 9, 1969. She was a faithful, devoted member of the church and remained so until her health prohibited her from doing so. She was a member of the Kay Inspirational Choir, the Kitchen Committee, the Willing Workers Club, serving as treasurer for many years, Vacation Bible School staff, Food Pantry volunteer, and served as a member of the Nurses’ Guild.

In 1971, Ella Mae married David Harper. She was a faithful, devoted wife caring for her husband until his death in January,1988.

Ella Mae was also active in the Clairton community, helping many sick and disabled individuals and caring for her family members and friends. “Sister” was loved and admired by many for her kind, generous spirit. She deeply loved her family, including “adopted” family members she chose to love unconditionally. She also mentored many young women and supported many youth in the community. Guided by her faith and benevolent spirit, “Sister” made an indelible mark on many lives. She truly embodied the characteristics of a virtuous woman.

Ella Mae leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her beloved son, Herman F. Snead, daughter-in-law Marie, Greenville, SC three grandchildren, Dominique Main (Joe), Orlando, FL, Tatjana Fuchs, Orlando FL, Kyle Snead, Greenville SC, one great-grandson, Deylan Main, one stepdaughter, Lois Steele, Las Vegas, “earth daughter” Stacy Rodgers Eley and husband Ernest, Baltimore, MD,  four sisters-in-law Sharon Johnson, Maxine Johnson, Delorees Johnson and Sadie Johnson, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and dear friends. Ella Mae was preceded in death by her brothers Joe, Sam, Curdell, Jack, Sidney, Stanford and JD.