Shirley Harper

     Shirley Harper, 86, of Carmi, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Wabash Christian Village in Carmi, Illinois. She was born on September 27. 1936, in Carmi, Illinois, the daughter of Jesse and Ruby (Simpson) Merritt.  Shirley graduated from Carmi Township High School in 1954.  She worked at various businesses in Carmi, including The Brokerage, Sears, Given and Bridgeman, Crown Finance, Becker and Hall and later retired from The White County Bridge Commission.

     Shirley is survived by two sons, Rick (Shana) Northcott of Carmi, IL. and John (Pam) Martin of Boonville, IN; eight grandchildren, Brandon (Kelly) Northcott, Kelsey Northcott, Jessica Northcott all of Carmi, IL, Neal Northcott of Irvine, CA, Bryce Northcott of Evansville, IN, Jesse (Katie) Martin of Evansville, IN, Nicole (Alexander) Camp of Boonville, IN, Brian (Kimberly) Phelps of Conway, AR; several great-grandchildren; one step great-granddaughter; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and a special cousin, Lauren (David) Jones of Evansville, IN. She is also survived by her fur baby, Candi.

      Shirley is also survived by step-children, Trudy (Don) Duvall of Carmi, IL, Terry (Sherri) Harper of Kingwood, TX; Step-grandchildren, Whitney (Tony) Paprocki of Swampscott, MA and Alli Harper of Spring, TX.  She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wendell Harper; one daughter, Lisa (Heckler) Holland; two brothers and sister-in-laws, Jewel (Mildred) Merritt and Jesse (Ann) Merritt.

     Graveside services to celebrate the life of Shirley Harper, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at White County Memorial Garden in Carmi.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Shirley's memory to Pets At Risk, and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi, who is in charge of arrangements.