Iowa– Charlene L. “Slim” Harper, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loved ones on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at the age of 84.

Charlene, the daughter of Merle and Martha Mae (Aycock) Stine, was born in Lake Charles on Sept. 21, 1939. She was a graduate of McNeese State University with a degree in business administration and worked at Gulf States as a bookkeeper for many years until the inception of the Harper Morgan Rodeo. 

She was the glue that held so many people and organizations together. She was instrumental in making sure the rodeos that she, along with her husband, James, produced were the best. An excellent seamstress, she designed custom costumes for the rodeo. Her artistic flair showed through each design. She designed the opening costumes for all the opening ceremonies for the 1990 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and was the timekeeper as well in the 1980’s. Charlene was a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Merle Stine Jr.

Charlene is survived by her husband of 65 years, James Harper; son, Howard Harper and wife, Angie; daughter, Debra Green and husband, Gary; adopted son, William Thomas “Bill” Harper; grandchildren, JaElle Harper, Jaycee Harper, Cheyene Harper, Maverick Harper, Danielle Gentry, and Breanna Morrison; and great-granddaughter, Adaly Claire Harper.

A gathering of friends and family will be held in the Harper Morgan Rodeo Arena, located at 104 Hwy 165, Iowa, La. on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m., and will resume on Saturday in the Arena from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 3 p.m. Winston Quesenberry officiating. Cremation will follow the service under the direction of Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa. Pallbearers assisting in her service are JaElle, Jaycee, Cheyene, and Maverick Harper, Danielle Gentry, and Jace and Lex Roussell.

Words of comfort may be shared at www.johnso nandbrownfuneralhome.com or Facebook: Johnson & Brown Funeral Home.