Glimpse of Mom’s Life Wanda Marie Black was born on January 3, 1941, in Tyler, Texas, the daughter of Johnny C. Black and Alice Black. After the death of her mother, Mom and her brother Johnny, were raised by loving grandparents. At the age of 11, Mom and her brother, moved to Alameda, California, to live with her father and stepmother. After graduating from Encinal High School, in 1958, Mom later met and married William Herman Harper, of Big Sandy, Texas, on July 24th, 1960, in Winona, Texas. To that union, they were blessed with three children, Bruce, Kendall and Portia.
On July 26, 1960, Mom and Dad moved to Los Angeles, California, to begin a new life. They attended Figueroa Church of Christ, where Mom was baptized under the preaching of Bro. R.N. Hogan. It was at this time, when Mom was nurtured and mentored, as a young Christian woman and mother, under the care and love of Sis. Ruby Holland, Sis. Maggie Hogan, and many others. Mom was very active in the Women’s ministry there, and continued to grow in the Lord. Mom and Dad attended the Figueroa Church of Christ from 1960-1971, where Dad served as one of the first Deacons. In 1971, under the encouragement of Bro. R.N. Hogan, Mom and Dad took over the work at the Northside Church of Christ, in Compton, California. It was Wanda’s first experience as a minister’s wife, where they labored until 1974. Mom began to teach Women’s classes, along with nurturing and guiding young women in their Christian faith. Mom had a great sense of humor and a passion for women of all ages. Her infectious smile and loving nature, was a magnet for everyone that she came in contact with. Mom relocated to Tacoma, Washington, in 1974, where her husband began working at the VA Hospital, at American Lake. While there, Mom and Dad co-labored with the Central Church of Christ, from 1974-1976. While living in Tacoma, Mom went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, at Pacific Lutheran University, in 1978, along with being a full time mother. Mom and Dad were called to minister at the Madison Park Church of Christ, in Seattle, Washington, in 1976. Mom worked to expand her ministries with women, at local, regional and national conferences and workshops, as a keynote speaker and facilitator. The congregation began to grow and thrive, culminating in the erection of a new building, in Seattle, Washington.
Due to her husband’s job transfer, they relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1981. They co-labored with Bro. and Sis. James Tinsley, at the then 37th Street Church of Christ, where she started a women’s class. Mom earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work, at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, in 1986. She began full time work as a case worker, at Family Services, in Omaha. Mom continued to advance in her career, and in 1987, the family moved back to the Northwest-Seattle, where shortly after, they began to minister to the Southside Church of Christ. Mom began working for the State of Washington for approximately ten years, then later, as a case worker for the City of Seattle. Mom was an advocate for children-protection/adoption services, aging and disabilities, and received numerous employment and community awards.
During her 25+ years at Southside Church of Christ, Mom’s vision was to expand the women’s ministry there, including weekly and bi-monthly classes, developing committees, encouraging women to participate in local and national Church of Christ conferences, and hosting numerous events. Her mission was to empower women to be all that they can be – in their Church, Work, Family and Personal lives. Working in conjunction with the women’s steering committee, there was much excitement and growth in the congregation, which led to the completion of a new building, in 2010. Mom was actively involved with the design and layout of the building, with regards to women’s needs. Mom taught classes, led and participated in various seminars and retreats. As long as her health permitted, Mom endeavored to work with the women’s ministry.
Mom enjoyed traveling in and out of the country. Mom was blessed to travel to Africa, which was the trip of a lifetime, where she taught and ministered to many women. In her spare time, Mom loved singing and listening to music-as a young girl, she played the piano in Church. Mom shared her love for music, which helped to sustain her throughout her later years. Mom loved reading books about African American people, self -help books, how to inspire working mothers, reading the Bible, learning about dogs, and many other topics. Mom loved beautiful hats and apparel. Mom had an uncanny way of connecting with the downtrodden, and she was a very loving and compassionate woman, who dearly loved her family. To forever honor and cherish her legacy, is her devoted husband of 59 years, William H. Harper, and adored children, Bruce, Kendall and Portia, and Son-in-law Bobby McClure, Mom’s brother, Johnny M. Black, of Oakland, California, and a whole host of extended family and friends across the country, including her Church family at the North Tenneha Church of Christ and the Southside Church of Christ, in Seattle, Washington, where she served as the Minister’s Wife.
A huge thanks to the wonderful staff of Colonial Nursing home and Park Place Nursing Home.
On July 26, 1960, Mom and Dad moved to Los Angeles, California, to begin a new life. They attended Figueroa Church of Christ, where Mom was baptized under the preaching of Bro. R.N. Hogan. It was at this time, when Mom was nurtured and mentored, as a young Christian woman and mother, under the care and love of Sis. Ruby Holland, Sis. Maggie Hogan, and many others. Mom was very active in the Women’s ministry there, and continued to grow in the Lord. Mom and Dad attended the Figueroa Church of Christ from 1960-1971, where Dad served as one of the first Deacons. In 1971, under the encouragement of Bro. R.N. Hogan, Mom and Dad took over the work at the Northside Church of Christ, in Compton, California. It was Wanda’s first experience as a minister’s wife, where they labored until 1974. Mom began to teach Women’s classes, along with nurturing and guiding young women in their Christian faith. Mom had a great sense of humor and a passion for women of all ages. Her infectious smile and loving nature, was a magnet for everyone that she came in contact with. Mom relocated to Tacoma, Washington, in 1974, where her husband began working at the VA Hospital, at American Lake. While there, Mom and Dad co-labored with the Central Church of Christ, from 1974-1976. While living in Tacoma, Mom went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, at Pacific Lutheran University, in 1978, along with being a full time mother. Mom and Dad were called to minister at the Madison Park Church of Christ, in Seattle, Washington, in 1976. Mom worked to expand her ministries with women, at local, regional and national conferences and workshops, as a keynote speaker and facilitator. The congregation began to grow and thrive, culminating in the erection of a new building, in Seattle, Washington.
Due to her husband’s job transfer, they relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1981. They co-labored with Bro. and Sis. James Tinsley, at the then 37th Street Church of Christ, where she started a women’s class. Mom earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work, at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, in 1986. She began full time work as a case worker, at Family Services, in Omaha. Mom continued to advance in her career, and in 1987, the family moved back to the Northwest-Seattle, where shortly after, they began to minister to the Southside Church of Christ. Mom began working for the State of Washington for approximately ten years, then later, as a case worker for the City of Seattle. Mom was an advocate for children-protection/adoption services, aging and disabilities, and received numerous employment and community awards.
During her 25+ years at Southside Church of Christ, Mom’s vision was to expand the women’s ministry there, including weekly and bi-monthly classes, developing committees, encouraging women to participate in local and national Church of Christ conferences, and hosting numerous events. Her mission was to empower women to be all that they can be – in their Church, Work, Family and Personal lives. Working in conjunction with the women’s steering committee, there was much excitement and growth in the congregation, which led to the completion of a new building, in 2010. Mom was actively involved with the design and layout of the building, with regards to women’s needs. Mom taught classes, led and participated in various seminars and retreats. As long as her health permitted, Mom endeavored to work with the women’s ministry.
Mom enjoyed traveling in and out of the country. Mom was blessed to travel to Africa, which was the trip of a lifetime, where she taught and ministered to many women. In her spare time, Mom loved singing and listening to music-as a young girl, she played the piano in Church. Mom shared her love for music, which helped to sustain her throughout her later years. Mom loved reading books about African American people, self -help books, how to inspire working mothers, reading the Bible, learning about dogs, and many other topics. Mom loved beautiful hats and apparel. Mom had an uncanny way of connecting with the downtrodden, and she was a very loving and compassionate woman, who dearly loved her family. To forever honor and cherish her legacy, is her devoted husband of 59 years, William H. Harper, and adored children, Bruce, Kendall and Portia, and Son-in-law Bobby McClure, Mom’s brother, Johnny M. Black, of Oakland, California, and a whole host of extended family and friends across the country, including her Church family at the North Tenneha Church of Christ and the Southside Church of Christ, in Seattle, Washington, where she served as the Minister’s Wife.
A huge thanks to the wonderful staff of Colonial Nursing home and Park Place Nursing Home.
Glimpse of Mom’s Life Wanda Marie Black was born on January 3, 1941, in Tyler, Texas, the daughter of Johnny C. Black and Alice Black. After the death of her mother, Mom and her brother Johnny, were raised by loving grandparents. At the age of 11, Mom and her brother, moved to Alameda, California, to live with her father and stepmother. After graduating from Encinal High School, in 1958, Mom later met and married William Herman Harper, of Big Sandy, Texas, on July 24th, 1960, in Winona, Texas. To that union, they were blessed with three children, Bruce, Kendall and Portia.
On July 26, 1960, Mom and Dad moved to Los Angeles, California, to begin a new life. They attended Figueroa Church of Christ, where Mom was baptized under the preaching of Bro. R.N. Hogan. It was at this time, when Mom was nurtured and mentored, as a young Christian woman and mother, under the care and love of Sis. Ruby Holland, Sis. Maggie Hogan, and many others. Mom was very active in the Women’s ministry there, and continued to grow in the Lord. Mom and Dad attended the Figueroa Church of Christ from 1960-1971, where Dad served as one of the first Deacons. In 1971, under the encouragement of Bro. R.N. Hogan, Mom and Dad took over the work at the Northside Church of Christ, in Compton, California. It was Wanda’s first experience as a minister’s wife, where they labored until 1974. Mom began to teach Women’s classes, along with nurturing and guiding young women in their Christian faith. Mom had a great sense of humor and a passion for women of all ages. Her infectious smile and loving nature, was a magnet for everyone that she came in contact with. Mom relocated to Tacoma, Washington, in 1974, where her husband began working at the VA Hospital, at American Lake. While there, Mom and Dad co-labored with the Central Church of Christ, from 1974-1976. While living in Tacoma, Mom went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, at Pacific Lutheran University, in 1978, along with being a full time mother. Mom and Dad were called to minister at the Madison Park Church of Christ, in Seattle, Washington, in 1976. Mom worked to expand her ministries with women, at local, regional and national conferences and workshops, as a keynote speaker and facilitator. The congregation began to grow and thrive, culminating in the erection of a new building, in Seattle, Washington.
Due to her husband’s job transfer, they relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1981. They co-labored with Bro. and Sis. James Tinsley, at the then 37th Street Church of Christ, where she started a women’s class. Mom earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work, at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, in 1986. She began full time work as a case worker, at Family Services, in Omaha. Mom continued to advance in her career, and in 1987, the family moved back to the Northwest-Seattle, where shortly after, they began to minister to the Southside Church of Christ. Mom began working for the State of Washington for approximately ten years, then later, as a case worker for the City of Seattle. Mom was an advocate for children-protection/adoption services, aging and disabilities, and received numerous employment and community awards.
During her 25+ years at Southside Church of Christ, Mom’s vision was to expand the women’s ministry there, including weekly and bi-monthly classes, developing committees, encouraging women to participate in local and national Church of Christ conferences, and hosting numerous events. Her mission was to empower women to be all that they can be – in their Church, Work, Family and Personal lives. Working in conjunction with the women’s steering committee, there was much excitement and growth in the congregation, which led to the completion of a new building, in 2010. Mom was actively involved with the design and layout of the building, with regards to women’s needs. Mom taught classes, led and participated in various seminars and retreats. As long as her health permitted, Mom endeavored to work with the women’s ministry.
Mom enjoyed traveling in and out of the country. Mom was blessed to travel to Africa, which was the trip of a lifetime, where she taught and ministered to many women. In her spare time, Mom loved singing and listening to music-as a young girl, she played the piano in Church. Mom shared her love for music, which helped to sustain her throughout her later years. Mom loved reading books about African American people, self -help books, how to inspire working mothers, reading the Bible, learning about dogs, and many other topics. Mom loved beautiful hats and apparel. Mom had an uncanny way of connecting with the downtrodden, and she was a very loving and compassionate woman, who dearly loved her family. To forever honor and cherish her legacy, is her devoted husband of 59 years, William H. Harper, and adored children, Bruce, Kendall and Portia, and Son-in-law Bobby McClure, Mom’s brother, Johnny M. Black, of Oakland, California, and a whole host of extended family and friends across the country, including her Church family at the North Tenneha Church of Christ and the Southside Church of Christ, in Seattle, Washington, where she served as the Minister’s Wife.
A huge thanks to the wonderful staff of Colonial Nursing home and Park Place Nursing Home.
On July 26, 1960, Mom and Dad moved to Los Angeles, California, to begin a new life. They attended Figueroa Church of Christ, where Mom was baptized under the preaching of Bro. R.N. Hogan. It was at this time, when Mom was nurtured and mentored, as a young Christian woman and mother, under the care and love of Sis. Ruby Holland, Sis. Maggie Hogan, and many others. Mom was very active in the Women’s ministry there, and continued to grow in the Lord. Mom and Dad attended the Figueroa Church of Christ from 1960-1971, where Dad served as one of the first Deacons. In 1971, under the encouragement of Bro. R.N. Hogan, Mom and Dad took over the work at the Northside Church of Christ, in Compton, California. It was Wanda’s first experience as a minister’s wife, where they labored until 1974. Mom began to teach Women’s classes, along with nurturing and guiding young women in their Christian faith. Mom had a great sense of humor and a passion for women of all ages. Her infectious smile and loving nature, was a magnet for everyone that she came in contact with. Mom relocated to Tacoma, Washington, in 1974, where her husband began working at the VA Hospital, at American Lake. While there, Mom and Dad co-labored with the Central Church of Christ, from 1974-1976. While living in Tacoma, Mom went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, at Pacific Lutheran University, in 1978, along with being a full time mother. Mom and Dad were called to minister at the Madison Park Church of Christ, in Seattle, Washington, in 1976. Mom worked to expand her ministries with women, at local, regional and national conferences and workshops, as a keynote speaker and facilitator. The congregation began to grow and thrive, culminating in the erection of a new building, in Seattle, Washington.
Due to her husband’s job transfer, they relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1981. They co-labored with Bro. and Sis. James Tinsley, at the then 37th Street Church of Christ, where she started a women’s class. Mom earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work, at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, in 1986. She began full time work as a case worker, at Family Services, in Omaha. Mom continued to advance in her career, and in 1987, the family moved back to the Northwest-Seattle, where shortly after, they began to minister to the Southside Church of Christ. Mom began working for the State of Washington for approximately ten years, then later, as a case worker for the City of Seattle. Mom was an advocate for children-protection/adoption services, aging and disabilities, and received numerous employment and community awards.
During her 25+ years at Southside Church of Christ, Mom’s vision was to expand the women’s ministry there, including weekly and bi-monthly classes, developing committees, encouraging women to participate in local and national Church of Christ conferences, and hosting numerous events. Her mission was to empower women to be all that they can be – in their Church, Work, Family and Personal lives. Working in conjunction with the women’s steering committee, there was much excitement and growth in the congregation, which led to the completion of a new building, in 2010. Mom was actively involved with the design and layout of the building, with regards to women’s needs. Mom taught classes, led and participated in various seminars and retreats. As long as her health permitted, Mom endeavored to work with the women’s ministry.
Mom enjoyed traveling in and out of the country. Mom was blessed to travel to Africa, which was the trip of a lifetime, where she taught and ministered to many women. In her spare time, Mom loved singing and listening to music-as a young girl, she played the piano in Church. Mom shared her love for music, which helped to sustain her throughout her later years. Mom loved reading books about African American people, self -help books, how to inspire working mothers, reading the Bible, learning about dogs, and many other topics. Mom loved beautiful hats and apparel. Mom had an uncanny way of connecting with the downtrodden, and she was a very loving and compassionate woman, who dearly loved her family. To forever honor and cherish her legacy, is her devoted husband of 59 years, William H. Harper, and adored children, Bruce, Kendall and Portia, and Son-in-law Bobby McClure, Mom’s brother, Johnny M. Black, of Oakland, California, and a whole host of extended family and friends across the country, including her Church family at the North Tenneha Church of Christ and the Southside Church of Christ, in Seattle, Washington, where she served as the Minister’s Wife.
A huge thanks to the wonderful staff of Colonial Nursing home and Park Place Nursing Home.
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