Mary Emily Harker

Mary Emily Harker

August 18, 1929-February 11, 2017

Mary Emily King Harker passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at the age of 87. She was born August 18, 1929, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Alonzo and Alfreda King. She was the third of six children.

She married Jack Albert Harker in the Salt Lake Temple, September 21, 1948. They had 6 children, 3 sons and 3 daughters: Jack Albert Harker Jr., Sherry Ann Poulson (Melvin), Deborah Parkin (Glade), Kent Lee Harker (Christine), Mariella Harker, and Jeff Brian Harker. They also raised a granddaughter, Misty Harker Vile (Lestat). Mary had a special bond with her and loved her dearly!

Mary was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and wanted everyone to know it. She had a strong testimony of the Gospel and loved to share her beliefs with others. She loved Heavenly Father and was his servant in many ways. She was always striving to bless and help others. She was especially mindful of the elderly and helped them in whatever way she could; such as, styling their hair when they passed on. She served valiantly in church, magnifying callings in Cub Scouts, Young Women, Relief Society, and more.

Mary was a very sweet, likeable person and had many friends. She made each person she knew feel special and important. She liked being prepared and was very neat and organized. She would have birthday cards and presents ready and waiting, sometimes weeks before a birthday or other occasion.

She was a hard-working woman. She ran a beauty shop, an office, her home, and her family, while still serving her friends, church, and community.

Life was not always easy. She lost a baby daughter in still birth; a son, Jack Jr., at age 19, in the Vietnam War; and a daughter, Deborah Parkin, after an accident, leaving five children behind. She also suffered with back pain for nearly 25 years, but rarely made a complaint.

Mary was gifted at seeing the beauties of life. She found beauty and pleasure in many ways: wrapping a present, writing a card, writing poetry, singing, cooking, housekeeping, styling her hair, dressing well, and many others.

She leaves behind 3 surviving children; 17 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; a brother, David King, and a sister, Lea Hoyt.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; son, Jack Jr., daughters, Deborah Parkin, and Mariella Harker; parents, Alonzo and Alfreda King; and brothers, Lonny, Lyle, and Ray King.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Val Verda 3rd Ward, 2651 South 500 West, Bountiful. A viewing will be held Wednesday Evening, February 15, 2017, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful. A second viewing will be held at the LDS Chapel from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Online gift book at www.russonmortuary.com