Obituary for Betty Lou Harp
Betty Lou Harp was welcomed to her Heavenly Home December 14, 2021. She died at her home with her family by her side. Born Betty Lou Townsend on April 13, 1933, to Morris Townsend and Anna Nelson Townsend, in Oneonta, NY, she participated in multiple musical activities and sports in her secondary education years. She started teaching in local public schools after receiving her Bachelor’s degree from Hartwick College in 1954 and then received her Master’s degree from New York State Teachers College at Potsdam. After moving to Tampa, FL in 1958 to be close to family, Betty Lou taught elementary school music in Brandon for over 30 years. She and Louisiana-born husband, John Harp, married November 12, 1960 in Tampa. Embracing her love and talent for music, she enjoyed over 50 years directing choirs at Apostles Lutheran Church and the Presbyterian Church of Seffner. She and her good friend, Cathy Lindsey, also created the social music group Chimes and Song, practicing weekly and seasonally performing at local community centers, churches and nursing facilities providing musical joy to many. She is preceded in death by her parents, Morris Townsend and Anna Nelson Townsend; her brother, Frederick Townsend and sister, Louise France. Survivors include her husband, John Harp; daughter, Brenda Harp; son, Bradley Harp; grandson, Michael Harp Hawkins and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Graveside services will be held 2:00 P.M. Thursday, December 23, 2021, at Seffner Cemetery on East Wheeler Road. A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the Presbyterian Church of Seffner with a reception to follow at the home of Brenda Harp, 3603 Sugar Loaf Ln., Valrico. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Presbyterian Church of Seffner, https://seffnerpres.org/. Please sign guestbook at SouthernFuneralCare.com.
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Previous Events
Graveside
Thursday
23
Dec
2:00 PM
Seffner Cemetery
605 East Wheeler Road
Seffner, FL 33584
Celebration of Life Service
Saturday
8
Jan
11:00 AM
Presbyterian Church of Seffner
1906 South Lenna Avenue
Seffner, FL 33584
Memorial Contribution
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