Michael HipHopz Harper

In the words of My Daddy: “My Friends” I come with the heavy heart of a daughter who must go on with the absence of her Father. He was my protector and showed me what true strength and determination really mean. For the last several years, My Dad overcame many obstacles. He pushed through the challenges left behind after his stroke and poured himself into the Community he loved so dearly. “Aberdeen Strong” was his battle cry, his heartbeat and generated the surge he needed to carry on. It gave him purpose! Over the last two months, my Daddy fought the hardest of fights. He fought to stay here with me - with us. Even in the midst of his body failing, his spirit never once gave up hope. In his last days of being able to speak clearly, he would ask about his projects with GACC, the planning and neighborhood commission, and let’s not forget his presidential parking spot located at WaWa, his “office”. We all assured him that all was well, and he would be able to return to the things he loved doing.

With great sadness, I report that my Daddy transitioned on April 13th at 1:11am after many weeks fighting with determination to live. The presence of his friends and family kept him pushing on. Visits, calls, and FB posts encouraged him and gave him the drive to fight a little harder and dig deeper in the “Harper Strong” legacy. My Dad was a proud man, never seeking a handout, he much preferred to offer his own hand to help others. With every task or project, he always paid-it-forward into his Community, Aberdeen Gardens, Hampton Roads, or any mission that required his assistance and connections to get it done.

On behalf of my Father and his dedication to his greater community, his family, and his friends – I graciously ask for your support to ensure his passing is as honored as his legacy. If you find it in your heart to contribute to the financial obligations of his burial, please support him here with a donation. Every prayer, every post, and every single call has been uplifting, supportive, and showered in love. My family and I cannot express enough how impactful and meaningful your love and encouragement has been over these last several weeks. Thank you for all your love and support – and thank you for loving My Daddy!

~Jordin Harper-Smith