Martha Jane Harper

Dr. Martha Jane Harper​, 76, passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 in Arlington. Memorial Service​: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Memorials​: Jane made arrangements for a large endowment to TCC, so we are asking friends and family to send red roses and red flowers for the service. She loved everything red. Jane was born on October 19, 1942 in Paris, Texas to D.L. and Christine Armstrong. She graduated from Paris High School with the highest grade point average on record. Jane received her B.A. in French and History in 1963, her M.A. in Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction and in French in 1966, and her Ph.D of SCI in Higher Education and French in 1967 all from East Texas State University. She was later honored as a Distinguished Alumni of ETSU. Dr. Harper helped start the Northeast campus of Tarrant County College (then TCJC) where she taught French for many years before becoming the Dean of Humanities. Jane was promoted to Vice President of Academic Affairs at NE Campus before transferring to the downtown offices of TCC as ​Associate Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs​. She was a wonderful educator who impacted the lives of those who worked with her or studied under her. One of her greatest joys was teaching teachers how to teach. Jane was also an accomplished musician - piano, organ, voice, flute, and cello. She shared her gift and love of music with the Arlington Civic Chorus, First Presbyterian Church, and as the piano accompanist for her granddaughter Rachel. Jane loved to travel and took many trips with friends and students to France, Italy, Switzerland, Singapore and other wonderful locations. She was always bringing gifts home to share the joy of her adventures with others. She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Lewis Armstrong. Survivors​: Son, Bradley Drake Harper and his wife Deborah; grandchildren, Culver Drake Harper and his wife Ciara, Thomas Calvin Kost and Rachel Michelle Kost, and numerous other loving family members. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233