Harper Thornhill

Life Reflections of Harper Thornhill

"There is a time for everthing, and a season for every activity under the heavens". - Ecclesiastes 3 (NIV)

A TIME TO BE BORN

Harper Thornhill affectionately known as "Herk: was born on March 21, 1036 in Braddock, PA to the late William H. and Lillie Boulden Thornhill.  Harper Thornhill gracefully crossed over on May 2, 2018 after 14 years of being tenderly cared for at Forbes Regional Rehabilitation Center.

A TIME TO PLANT

Harper was the 10th child of 14 siblings, whom all but one preceded him in death  Harper met Karen Chatman while he was at Scaife Hall.  She was working with his sister,Marjorie at Presbyterian Hospital.  They were married in 1965 and of this union they had two children Shawn D. Thornhill and Constance Thornhill.

A TIME OF SERVICE

Harper attended Westinghouse High School in Homewood.  He worked at the Penn-Lincoln Hotel, Scaife Hall, Neville Cement Company, US Steel Corporation and then became a self-employed "Renaissance Man".  Harper learned many talents such as candy making, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and auto mechanics from his father, older brothers and brother in law Mallory.  Harper loved Homewood and provided Jitney service to the residents.

A TIME TO ENJOY

The family moved to Homewood and as Harper grew into adulthood, he relished his relationships with his immediate family as well as extendeed families including the Gandy's, Mason's, Robert's, Prunty's and the Omicrons.  Harper and his brother Richard better known as "Speed " turned the basement on Baxter Street into a social club and made sure everyone had a good time partying.  Harper was our anchor when it came to planning a picnic, porch party, boat ride,or a family reunion.  Harper loved Westinghouse School Picnics at Kennywood, the Highland Park jazz concerts, cabarets at Homewood Coliseum and he loved to dance.  Harper saw to it that there was fun to be had by all.

A TIME FOR ETERNAL REST

Harper leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Karen E. Thornhill, son, Shawn Thornhill, daughter, Connie Thornhill, brother, Ronald Thornhill and a loving sister in law, Karen J. Thornhill (Robert), grand-daugter, Darlene Thornhill, grand-son Malik Thornhill, and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends  Harper was preceded in eternal rest by his eleven siblings and one grandson, Andre Alexander.

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