Hugh's News & Commentary

Mrs. Harper was the sister of Karen Jones, wife of Bishop Bill Jones of the Georgia Conference. Mrs. Harper was employed at Ikon Office Solutions in Atlanta and was a resident of Marietta, Georgia. She is also survived by one son, Gavin Harper of New York, and his father, Daryl Harper ('79) of Alabama; her parents, Cole and Dorothy Fitzgerald of Natural Bridge, Virginia, and one brother, Barry Fitzgerald and his wife, Shelly, also of Natural Bridge. She has one niece, Mackenzie Fitzgerald, and one nephew, Blake Jones. She is also survived by her fiancee, John Trudeau, of San Francisco, California.

Sandy was much loved by many family members, friends, and colleagues. Her family is establishing a scholarship to be awarded annually to a business student at Emmanuel College. They feel that this is the most fitting way to keep her memory alive and to bless future students with similar need and goals. Contributions may be made to Emmanuel College, P. O. Box 129, Franklin Springs, GA 30639. Checks should be earmarked for the Sandy Fitzgerald Harper Memorial Scholarship. The family sincerely appreciates every donation in Sandy's memory. She was a beautiful woman with a lovely smile and a loving heart. She is greatly missed by all.

Hugh...Sandy was also taught by Viola Firebaugh. I was saved in Viola's Sunday school class. We were both influenced greatly by Viola's teaching. I like to imagine both Sandy and Viola worshiping the Lord together these days. I miss them both so very much. Thank your dear wife for her lovely card. My grief has been great; this has been the toughest year of my life. God is good, and He is bringing healing to my broken heart.
I am attaching a picture of Sandy. She was beautiful both inside and out. I miss her so much.

Bless you, Karen Fitzgerald Jones

[Editor's comment: Unfortunately, the computer that was being used at the Georgia Conference Office in Franklin Springs, GA, at the time of Sandy Fitzgerald Harper's death, had some technical problems beyond the control of the administrative assistant to our bishop. It was only yesterday, Monday evening, April 25, 2011, did I finally get the announcement of Sandy' death. Karen Jones sent it to me after a failed attempt to send it to my website. 

Please be aware that unless e-mails are sent to my e-mail address: hugh@hughsnews.com, I will not get your communications. You cannot send it to my website. That will not work for you. I apologize for the inconvenience. I am here to serve you by publishing your news in a timely fashion.

It is important when reporting a death that you get me not only the fact of the death, but the obituary and other pertinent information, and if possible a photo.

I am grateful to Karen Jones for supplying that data. I deeply regret that this office did not get this death announcement until about 4 months later.

Our hearts go out to Karen and her family. We had all prayed for Sandy's healing. However, we must understand that God is still Sovereign, and He alone knows what is best. So, we willingly yield and submit ourselves to His wisdom and care for all of us. Paul tells us that to die is gain. I believe that. Do you?]