Rev. Willie Lee Harper was born November 14, 1945 to the late Luther and Josie Copeland Harper. He was 7th of 13 children born to this union.

Rev. Harper attended the Lee County School System and Mississippi Industrial College in Holly Spring, MS. He was a member of the Life Underwriters Association,  Masonic Lodge, and Prince Hall Blue Lodge.

Rev. Harper answered the call to preach in 1965 under the Rev. James Otis Lowe. He was ordained Deacon and Elder in 1966 by Bishop Joseph A. Johnson, Jr at the East Mississippi Conference. He pastored for 48 years in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church serving several churches throughout the state of Mississippi.

Rev. Harper married Margret Williams unto this union four children were born. He leaves to cherish his memories (4) children: Allen Jermone, Crug Alexander, Vincent Darrell (Amber), and Carlos Windell all of Tupelo, MS; 2 sisters: Velma Riley and Hazel (Lawrence) Field both of Verona, MS; 1 brother: Charles Harper of Verona, MS; 1 brother-in-law: Fred Morris of Tupelo, MS; 1 Uncle Milus Copeland of Corinth, MS; 6 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends a one special friend Doris Patterson. He is preceded in death b his parents, 6 sisters and 3 brothers.