of Harrison, AR

January 11, 1938 - October 28, 2020

Ann Estelle Harp, age 82, of Harrison, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at Hillcrest Home, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Ann was born January 11, 1938, the daughter of the late Jess F. Watkins, Sr. and Enid Ruble-Watkins. She married the love of her life, Harlin ''Red'' Harp on February 5, 1955. They celebrated 48 years of marriage before Red's death in 2003.

Mrs. Harp is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Dale and Lindsay Harp, Jim and Pam Harp, and Craig and Christy Harp; her daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa and Mitch Magness and Tracy Jones and Jim Morris; her grandchildren, Amy (Justin) Webb and sons Justin and Alex; Dr. Nicki (Michael) Ames and son Sawyer and a baby due in January; Daniel Harp; TJ (Nicole) Clark and their children Lydea, Chase and Kolby; Cortney (Derek) White and their children Preslee, Cora, and Maverick; Emily (Roy) Norton and daughter Elizabeth; Regan Harp; Beth Lee and her children Harley, Kaden, and Hicks; Josh (Whitney) Magness and their children Jax, Aiden, Aiyanna, Lex and a baby due in February; Jared (Breana Jones) Magness; Katy (Jake) Thornton and son Rayden; Karalee Jones and daughter Oaklee; Brent (Michelle) Morris and their children Tamara, Brody, and Mya; and Clint Morris (Tiffany Limperis) and their children Tia, Rowland, Eli, Jesse, Kyler, Ryeland, and Raylann; and by two special people very dear to her heart, Kathy Egan and Randy Jones.

Ann is also survived by her sister, Henrietta Watkins Graham; her sister-in-law, Shirley Watkins; her brothers-in-law, GB (Debbie) Harp and Dwain (Pat) Harp; her sister-in-law, Jackie (Gordon) Starkey; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and a host of dear friends that she truly loved.

Ann was preceded in death by her step-dad, Charlie Klutts; her in-laws, Hulin and Sybil Harp; one brother, Jess ''Sonny'' Watkins; a half-brother, Verlin Watkins; three half-sisters, Myrtle Watkins-Blankenship, Margie Watkins-Haywood, and Ilda Watkins-Morton; her brother-in-law, Donald Graham; and her great-grandsons, Corbin Clark and Tate Thornton.

Ann was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. She was a lifelong resident of Boone County. She managed to find time to work several jobs over the years, such as Country Classics and Guys & Dolls, all while raising her very busy family. Along with her husband, she chased the kids and grandkids all over the state watching them play sports. Red and Ann were great supporters of Harrison Goblin football and basketball teams and were longtime active members of the Harrison Booster Club. Ann was known for her outstanding work in Goblin hospitality rooms earning her a place in the Goblin Hall of Fame. She was an avid Arkansas Razorback fan. Some of her happiest times were going on countless beach vacations, camping and canoe trips with family and friends, or just having everyone at the house.

Grams touched so many lives over the years. She loved having her get-togethers, especially those that included playing card games that could get very competitive and could possibly end up in one of the notorious water or food fights. Ann enjoyed feeding her large family and no friend or stranger was ever turned away from her table. She always made sure that a child never went hungry. The friendships she cherished, the kids she has mothered, and the players she has cheered, she loved you all. Many only knew her as Grams and that was her pride and joy, being Grams. The laughter she has created over the years and the love she always gave was her gift to all that knew her.

Heartfelt thanks to Drs. Blake and Amanda Chitsey and the Terra Vista household staff at Hillcrest Home. Your loving care of our Grams will forever be appreciated.


The funeral service was Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with grandsons, Jake Thornton and Josh Magness, officiating.

Interment was private in Shaddox Cemetery at a later date.


Roller-Christeson Funeral Home is complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines for COVID-19 and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering.

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