Joann “Jo” Helene Harper, a champion of service to others, was born in San Diego on June 8, 1943 and passed on to her Heavenly home on April 5, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. A woman of strong faith, she was the oldest child of Mary Ellen Rogers, who preceded her in death. Jo valiantly battled Glioblastoma Multiforme for over two years, never losing her graciousness, tenacity, generosity, love for others, joy for life, and sense of humor.

Following retirement from a 30 year career with Southwestern Bell, she continued to run the Heartland Book Bank, a non-profit promoting literacy, for many years. In recognition of her extensive community service and positive impact on our communities, she was a George H.W. Bush Point of Light and JCPenney Golden Rule Award honoree.

A pillar in her church of 50+ years, Northminster Presbyterian, she served in numerous teaching, leadership and service roles over the years and enjoyed many medical/dental mission trips to Jamaica. She also completed mission work for the Choctaw Native Indians in Oklahoma, was a Rotarian, and volunteered for the Assistance League of Kansas City.

Jo was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for over 50 years, and deeply loved all of her sorority sisters. She was a Scout leader of both girls and boys for many years, enjoyed taking them on high adventure excursions, and she was Honored Woman “Walks with Lone Brown Wolf” in the tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Joann was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, David, in 2019. She also was preceded in death by her brother, Don Rogers. Survivors include her children: Traci (Eric) Wolf, Brian (Carrie) Harper, Nathan (Amy) Harper, and Bailey Harper. Also surviving are her adored grandchildren: David (Emma) and Caleb (Jade) Wolf, and Mila, Silas, Xander, Hunter, Christian, and Aria Harper. Other survivors include her sister, Dondra (Kevin) McPhail and brother, Bill (Rosanne) Hunt and numerous extended family and friends.

Also remaining to carry on her legacy across the globe are many cherished foreign exchange student daughters and sons who lived with Jo and David throughout the years: Dionisus (Greece), Louis (Switzerland), Sasha (Slovakia/Czech Republic), Liz and Vitaliy (Ukraine), and Petch (Thailand).

To celebrate her life and lasting impact, the family invites you to a Celebration of Life service on Saturday May 10, at 2:00pm at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Kansas City (1441 NE Englewood Road, 64118), with visitation/fellowship following. Be comfortable and come as you are, with KC Chiefs fan attire encouraged. Jo LOVED the KC Chiefs, and dutifully wore her “lucky Chiefs apron” every game.

The family wishes to extend deep gratitude to the staff of Norterre and Ascend Hospice, as well as Jo’s team of KU Med doctors, and Dr. Todd Beardman and Dr. Rebecca Hodos of NKC Hospital for all of their love and compassionate care over the years she battled brain tumors. In her last act of earthly service, Jo was deeply honored to donate her body to the KU School of Medicine Willed Body Program.

Should you desire to make a donation in Jo’s memory, the family suggests Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City (honoring Henson’s Heroes), or Scouting America.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35)

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