Mrs. Loleta Harvey Tharpe's Obituary
Loleta Harvey was born to the union of Rev Johnny Howard Harvey and Mary Lou Gale Harvey on October 20, 1934, in DeKalb, MS. Miss Loleta accepted Christ at an early age. Loleta joined Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Daleville, MS, she was devoted to God and Jesus Christ. Loleta completed her primary education at Weschler Elementary School and Harris Senior High School in Meridian, MS. Loleta was the first young woman to play in marching band with young men at Harris. Loleta's passion for education and music led her to Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA where she completed her bachelor undergraduate studies. She pursued and completed post-graduate masters and doctorate degrees at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI. Loleta began her professional music education and teaching career working in Columbia, Grenada, Meridian, Monticello and Utica Junior College, MS. Later, Loleta migrated to Milwaukee, WI where she continued careers as an Educator, Community and Social Activist. Loleta served as Commissioner for Milwaukee County, WI. Loleta was active in several civic affairs. She was a charter member of the Milwaukee Meridianites. Loleta wrote the "My Hometown Meridian" song for the National Council ofMeridianites. Milwaukee, WI community volunteer experiences with Social Development Commission (SDC), Coalition for Mother Earth (environmentalist), Election Inspector (site supervisor), Big Brothers & Big Sisters, NAACP, and Missionary Society. Loleta Christian spiritual journey included active parishioner at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church of Milwaukee, WI and Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Meridian, MS. She was a leader with the music department, youth mentoring and reading programs. On June 8, 2019, Loleta passed away and went to be with her Lord. Loleta was preceded in death by her father Rev Johnny Howard Harvey, her mother Mary Lou Gale Harvey, her husband Arthur Tharpe, her five brothers: Jim, Peter, Roosevelt, Sam Henry, and William. Two sisters: Dorothy Bell and Johnnie Well. Loleta leaves to cherish her memories: Two children, DeLisa Harvey Leavell (Ronald Leavell Sr.) of Sugar Land, TX and Maneta Harvey of Meridian, MS; Two grandchildren, DeTric Harvey (Aurbyn) of Katy, TX and Gavin Harvey (Nicole) of Land O Lakes, FL; Three great grandchildren, Kahari Harvey of Jackson, MS, Myles Harvey of Honolulu, HI and Christopher Berry of Land O Lakes, FL; One sister, Lessie Mae Ducksworth of Tuskegee AL; One Aunt, Elnora Stennis of Chicago, IL; One sister in law, Delia Shumate of Meridian, MS and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, other loving relatives, and friends.
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