Martha Nell Tapper Harper, age 103, of Taft, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Visitation with the family is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Tommy Vann officiating. Private burial will follow in Concord Cemetery in Ripley, Tennessee.
Martha was a longtime member of Fayetteville First United Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. A devoted homemaker, she enjoyed cooking, sewing, and caring for her family. Later in life, she worked for Walmart for 25 years, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic.
Martha was born on March 13, 1923, in Raines, TN, to the late Willie Anna Wells and Joseph Lytle Tapper. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Montell Harper, and her daughter-in-law, Beth Rane Harper.
Martha is survived by her sons, Johnny Harper of Lebanon, and Joseph Franklin (Jan) Harper of Taft; her grandson, Joseph Daniel (Terri Lee) Harper; and her great-grandchildren, Nalaney and Enola Harper.
Higgins Funeral Home is privileged to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of Martha Nell Tapper Harper.
One time I came into the house and grandma was standing on her head in the stove just scrubbing away , I said grandma what are you doing you should be resting . She promptly replies it’s not gonna scrub itself are you gonna do it ? I said yes mam taking the rag I begin scrubbing while she stands there and watches me do it . It was funny @ the time . If you wanted to help her you had to take it away from her she was never somone to shy away from work .