Final farewell to Connie Harper of the Call & Post

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) -

A community came together to mourn the loss of Call & Post Associate Publisher and Executive Editor Connie Harper on Saturday. The wake and funeral were both held at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.

Harper, who was considered among many to be a powerhouse in the Cleveland community, became ill at the homecoming of Central State University (CSU), her alma mater, where she was the Cleveland Alumni Chapter President.

"It was great for her to be around and give us her opinion of what was going on, give the world, the city, a face of some people who can't speak for themselves," said Dale Martin.

As a young journalist, it was clear she was destined to be a leader among leaders, and not just in her field, but an outspoken advocate for civil and human rights and as many knew, the conscious of Cleveland.

"Connie reflected a level of consciousness of our community to insure responsibility, accountability to make sure the African-American community would have a voice," said Ohio Rep. John Barnes Jr.

For a woman who meant so much to so many, it's only fitting that her final farewell service was packed.

"I'm a great admirer. We all are, everybody here," said Tim McGinty. "She will surely be missed. Big shoes to fill."

She was recently honored by the Cleveland Chapter of 100 Black Men and ClevelandUrbanNews.com, along with the Who's Who in Black Cleveland.

During her time at CSU, Harper served as the editor of the college paper and school yearbook for four years.

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Final farewell to Connie Harper of the Call & Post