Sister Verbena L. Harper was born in South Boston, Virginia on February 8, 1946.  She received her education through the public school system in South Boston, and graduated from Mary Bethune High School.  She attended Mt. Olive Baptist Church in South Boston.

 

After moving to the Washington, DC area, she accepted Jesus as her Savior and joined the East Friendship Baptist Church. She served on the Deaconess Board, Missionary Society, and was a member of the Twenty-one Thirty-five Club.

 

On December 20, 1969, she was united in Holy Matrimony to her devoted husband, Reverend Amaziah C. Harper.  Sister Harper has been employed in hospital services for 35 year. She retired from Greater Southeast Community Hospital in Washington, DC in April of 2008.  In keeping with her Christian responsibilities, she is always willing to help others anywhere, and at anytime.  She is often called upon to help others find physicians and other medical services to meet their specific needs.  She has also been instrumental in helping employers fill job vacancies.

 

In 1981, Sister Harper became the First Lady of Mentrotone Baptist Church, sharing with us her caring and loving kindness, which is evident by the joy she receives in helping others.  As a member of this Church, she has served in the Unity Club, Church Anniversary Committee, sang with the Gospel Leaires, also known as the Gospel Chorus, the S.C. Lee Ensemble and the Voices of Mentrotone.  Sister Harper has also served as a Deaconess, member of the Missionary Ministry, the Adult Sunday School Class, Youth Ministry Advisor and assisted with Vacation Bible School.

 

Sister Harper completed the required training for non-violent crisis intervention and is a member of the Crisis Prevention Institute, Incorporated (CPI). After attending the 67th Annual Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses held in New Orleans, she joined the Chesapeake Choral Union of Washington, D.C., under the direction of Mr. Ulysses Moye II.

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Sister Harper was honored at the 7th Annual First Ladies Tea held on November 10, 2018, hosted by Praise 104.1 FM radio at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland. She was one of 20 First Ladies honored due to the overwhelming nominations of her church family and friends.

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Sister Harper's heartfelt testimonies have been a blessing to others. She is truly a child of God. She recently celebrated 43 years as First Lady of Mentrotone. Her favorite scripture is the 121 Psalm, and she continues to praise God as she looks where He has brought her from.