Joanner B. Harper was born on March 20, 1936, in Bay Springs, Mississippi, to Mr. Purgie Beavers and Mrs. Dorothy Moffett Beavers. She was one of five children born to the couple. In 1954, Joanner graduated from Bay Springs Colored Vocational High School. She then completed the coursework for a certificate in Business and Sales from Dale Carnel in 1962, which marked the beginning of her professional career.

On February 11, 1965, Joanner married Mr. James Harper, and through their union, they reared seven children. Her family brought her much joy and pride, and she was a devoted mother, wife, and grandmother.

Joanner was also a faithful member of Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, actively serving in various positions, including the United Methodist Women, the Church Choir, Food Committee, Assistant Sunday School Teacher, and the Chairperson of the Evangelism Outreach Witness Ministry. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. Through this organization of amazing women, she experienced fun, friendships, freedom, fitness.

Joanner spent most of her working years in the Sales and Ordering Department of Big B Drug Store, located in the Hardy Court Shopping Center. She retired from the store in 1989 to spend more time with her family and husband.

Joanner was known for her kindness and love. She enjoyed long car rides, watching sports, spending time with her grandchildren, and traveling. Her friendly personality made her well-liked by many on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In her later years, she volunteered at various places, including the VA Hospital, American Red Cross, Garden Park and Memorial Hospital. Joanner treated everyone like family, whether they were neighbors or those she volunteered with.

Joanner was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Purgie Beavers; her husband, James R. Harper; two sisters, Marie Ross, and Mary Beavers McNair; two brothers, Jimmy Bevers and Bearlin Beavers; and two sons, Jeffrey Harper and Terry Musgrove.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories four sons, Gregory Harper, Carl Musgrove, Derrick (Vallita Lewis) Musgrove, and Jerry (Vanessa) Harper; one daughter, Gwendolyn Diane Sanders; one sister, Josie Hart, 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; two Godsons, Wilbert Harvey, and Paul "Pope" Smith; and adopted grandson, Christopher Walker and a host of relative and friends.