Albert

Harper

Albert was born August 13, 1942, in Nettleton, Mississippi and he was the fourth child born to Odis and Rozena Harper. Albert attended Nettleton school district and attended school in Wren 1 year.

Albert left Mississippi and moved to Florida, where he had several negative experiences causing him to return to MS where he enlisted in the Army and served a short time before transferring and with the National Guard and moving to Gary, Indiana. While in the Army, Albert was a rifle marksman and a chef.

Albert worked at several restaurants including Gordon's Tea Room and Kenny's Steak House. Albert often recalls asking for a raise from his employers and being told that he needs to give himself a raise. He decided that owning his own restaurant was the best way to give himself a raise, so he began taking steps to make that a reality. Albert took business and advanced education classes at Ivy Tech. He had Jimmie's Coney Island No.1 built at 3350 W 5th Avenue in Gary, IN and it opened in 1972. Albert loved fishing, hunting and baking sweet potatoes pies.

Al was a softball coach for Brunswick little league for many years. Al loved spending time with the youth of his community. Albert was affiliated with Spirit of God church and school. He was school superintendent and held an Elder position at the church. Al & Ann later joined Bethel Church, Gary campus. Al was an Elder and he and Ann were leaders of the Senior Ministry for 8 years before relocating with their Bethel family to Flourish Church. Upon moving to Gary, Indiana, Albert fathered a daughter and later married Lois Graham and they raised 4 children. Just before Al & Lois's 43rd anniversary, God took Lois to live with him for eternity. Six months later, Al met Ann Satterfield Parson, and they became good friends. They were married 18 months later. Al & Ann celebrated their 15th anniversary on Thanksgiving, November 27th and he was taken to Methodist Southlake that evening and

Albert passed early on November 28, 2025. Albert is preceded in death by his parents Rev. Odis Harper Sr. and Rozena Harper. 1st wife, Lois Graham Harper: Son, Anthony Harper. Siblings; Rosie Lee Harper, Odis Harper Jr., Rev. Alex Harper Sr., and Freddie Harper. Granddaughter: Portia Kemp.

Albert leaves to cherish his memory children: Lanease Harper (CA), Dr. Lisa Ross (Ken) (AZ), Michael Harper (IL), Kristal Peterson (CA): Stepchildren: Ralph (Frances) Parson Jr. (AZ), Bernard Parson (WI), Priscilla Parson (WI), Reynaldo Parson (OK). Grandchildren: Alexis and Miles Anderson (CA). Justin "Jay" Ross (AZ), To'nia Harper (IN), T'quan Harper (OK), Bella and Mia Peterson (CA). Step grandchildren: 33 (Residences: 14 in AZ, 7 in CA, 10 in FL, 1 in IN, 1 in TX). Great-grandchildren: Lyric Kemp-Landry (CA) Step-great-grandchildren (numerous). Siblings: Louis (Jeanette) Harper (MS), James Harper (MS), Floyd (Ovellia) Harper (IN), Rosie Mae (Milton) Austin (TX), Mary Jean Parks (MS);

will be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and extended family. Visitation Saturday, December 13, 2025, 9:00 am – 11:00 am funeral 11:00 am held at Flourish Church 3935 Cleveland St. Gary, IN.