Courthouse tree dedicated in memory of Judge Helen Harper

A chilly wind did not stop the warm memories and stories of former Probate Judge Helen Harper as people gathered in front of the Laurens County Courthouse recently to dedicate a tree in her honor.

Allen Thomas, former Laurens County clerk of court, said Monday’s dedication was “a commendation for a fine lady.”

Harper’s friend June Moore unveiled the plaque that sits in front of the tree near the main entrance of the courthouse. 

The plaque reads: “This Japanese Maple tree and plaque are placed here in loving memory of Helen Woodard Harper who served as a staff member for 13 years, followed by 40 years as probate judge. She was the longest serving elected official in the history of Laurens County.” 

“Thousands of people will walk past this tree and be reminded that the long-serving servant at the Laurens County Courthouse was Helen Woodard Harper,” Thomas said.

Thomas recalled how Harper, Moore and former chamber of commerce president Willie Paulk did many things in life together, including many trips.

“They were so close together that it was like they were sisters,” said Thomas, adding that Paulk wanted something done to remember Harper. “When you read about the many things (Harper) did that impacted this town, it’s really awesome.” 

Harper’s son, Jeffery Baggett, was asked to give a few words during the event.

“This is a great honor,” Baggett said. “I lived with (Harper) so I can tell you a lot of stories. We appreciate this, and I know she is looking down and smiling. She worked (in the courthouse) for 53 years. I appreciate the kind words.” 

Probate Judge Genola Jackson served under Harper since 1997. 

“It’s a great honor to speak on behalf of Judge Harper,” Jackson said. “She was a great woman, a great leader and a great mentor.” 

Jackson traveled with the judge to different conferences, not knowing that Harper was preparing her for in the future.

“I guess she saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Jackson said. “She was like a second mom to me. We laughed together, cried together and became a good family. It was an honor to get to know her. When she spoke, everybody listened. She had that loud voice. She was known not only here in Laurens County but all over the state of Georgia.

“She deserves this honor today because she was a great person,” she added. “It has truly been an honor working under Judge Harper and becoming a part of the Probate Court family. As we celebrate the planting of the tree in honor of Judge Harper, her memory will always be planted in my heart.” 

Julie Herrin got to know Harper from playing canasta. 

“She was a wonderful teacher and patient in helping me to learn how to play canasta,” Herrin said. “She also was very honest, which is a wonderful trait. I learned quickly that she would not sugar coat anything, so be careful if you asked her for the truth, because she was going to tell you the truth. I am so thankful for the times we had together, the laughs we had and the awesome memories I have of her. She was a true blessing in my life and I will always remember her fondly.”  

Harper was born, raised and lived in Dublin and Laurens County her entire life. She was a member of Marie Baptist Church for 43 years. Harper served as the chief clerk of the Probate Judge for 13 years and a total of 53 years working for the citizens of Laurens County. She retired in December 2020. 

She served on many boards and positions including president of the Dublin Rotary Club, president of the Pilot Club of Dublin, director of Dublin Country Club, chairperson of Dublin Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, president of the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation Board, board member and graduate of Leadership Dublin-Laurens County, of which she was a charter member.

Harper received the Dublin Laurens Chamber Community Choice Award. She also worked with the Saint Patrick’s Festival, serving as the chairperson of the festival committee in 1994. She was also the chairperson for the St. Patrick’s Awards Banquet and the Arts and Crafts Festival for several years. 

Harper served as the past president of the order of the Blarney Stone. She was named the St. Patrick’s Festival Woman of the Year in 2002, Honorary Leprechaun in 1990 and the Amy Cannon Spirit of the Festival Award in 2019. 

Laurens County Administrator Bryan Rogers agreed with others when saying that Harper impacted so many lives.

“Mrs. Helen took me under her wings and gave me a lot of good advice, guidance and counseling,” Rogers said. “I was pretty young when I got here. She was such a good friend and mentor and when she spoke, you listened. Most of the time she was very loving and nice, but when she would come over there and get her finger going and telling me what she wanted, I would tell her, ‘Yes mama, I’ll take care of it.’

“She deserves all of the accolades she has gotten. She was truly a wonderful lady and a benefit of Laurens County. She is missed greatly, and she is definitely not someone who will be forgotten about. This tree is a very small memento of it. I don’t think any of us will forget Mrs. Helen. I know I won’t.”