Rebecca Jo Harper, a lifelong Brown County resident remembered for her devotion to family, decades of work and passion for drag racing, died Sept. 9, 2026, in Brownwood. She was 80.
Harper, who resided in Early for the last 10 years, will be remembered by relatives, friends, former colleagues and members of the local racing community. Her family described a woman with a gentle, thoughtful nature, a warm smile and a caring heart.
Services planned in Early
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Heartland Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Heartland Funeral Home of Early.
Online condolences, memories and tributes may be shared with the family through Heartland Funeral Home at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.
A life rooted in Brown County
Harper met her husband, John, at the Brownwood Hotel. The couple married June 12, 1965, and celebrated 61 years of marriage together this year.
She worked for GTE, which later became Verizon, for 30 years. Her obituary describes her as a dependable and dedicated employee whose long career reflected a strong work ethic.
For more than 35 years, Harper and John owned and operated Harper’s Automotive and Harper’s Towing and Recovery before selling the business to family. Their shared work was one part of a life built around family, community and longtime relationships.
Racing, family and community
Before and after retirement, Harper and her husband spent many years involved in drag racing. She was an active participant rather than simply a spectator, racing their yellow-and-black 1975 SS Nova at the track.
She also enjoyed singing, swimming, sewing and trips to the beach. A devoted Brownwood Lions fan, she loved animals and the pets she had over the years.
Harper was a faithful Christian, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis Edward Ray Sr. and Josephine Frances Ray, and siblings Robert Macy Ray, Hue Benjamin Ray, Wilda Laverne Adams, Lewis Edward Ray Jr. and Winifred Mozelle Chaney.
She is survived by her husband, John Baze Harper of Early; son Thomas Ray Harper and his wife, Tina, of Lake Brownwood; twin daughters Lindy Jo Kinney and her husband, Steve, of Early, and Cindy Ann Crowder and her husband, Eric, of Buford, Georgia; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; an honorary granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Her family said she will be remembered for her laughter, smile, caring heart and the many adventures she shared with the people she loved.