Mamie Jean Harper, age 93, of Clarksville, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2018. 

She was born July 3, 1924 in Henderson, KY, the daughter of the late John William and Martha Foster Hutchison. She was married to J.H. Harper 40 years, until his death in 1983. In 1986, she married John K. Arrington. In addition to her husbands and parents, she was predeceased by her son, Johnny Herbert Harper, Jr.; son-in-law, James H. Palmer; and daughter-in-law, Sherry Arrington.

Mamie Jean is survived by her loving family: daughter, Brenda Harper; John M. Arrington and Kay Cristina; Bill Arrington; Tim and Suella Arrington; Joe Arrington; Jane Arrington; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and her devoted friend and caregiver Vanzetta Bell.

Mamie Jean moved with her parents to Clarksville at age 6. She attended Clarksville High School and graduated from APSU. She later received her M.S. in Library Science from George Peabody College. After several years as librarian at Ft. Campbell High School, she served as Director of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library for 25 years. 

As Library Director, she expanded library resources to include audio books and videos, built a strong genealogical collection and began the conversion to the electronic catalog. She never failed to provide personal attention and assistance to library users; she had a unique gift for making children feel special as she introduced them to the joy of books.

Committed to the people of Clarksville, both professionally and personally, she gave generously of herself to this community. Always devoted to family and work, she loved a multitude of friends as though they were family. Her acceptance of others with diverse beliefs and backgrounds was a profound expression of her spirituality and religious beliefs.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, February 3, at 1:00 PM, at the Chapel of Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, with Dr. Felts Dent officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, February 3, from 10:00 AM until the hour of service, at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Genealogy Collection of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library, 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 501, Clarksville, TN 37040; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488. Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com. 

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