Georgia Harpole

Georgia Marie Harpole, born July 19, 1944, in Hillsboro, Oregon, was a spirited soul whose life embodied an inspiring blend of resilience, dedication, and generosity. A beacon of light to everyone who knew her, Georgia’s commitment to her faith, family, and community left an indelible mark on countless hearts. “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. This quote perfectly encapsulates the life that Georgia led, making a profound difference in the lives of many through her love and service.

Georgia spent 79 years living between the cities of Webb City, Alba and Oronogo, Missouri, where she carried out her passion for teaching at Webb City Missouri Schools. Her dedication to her profession was evident in the over 35 years she spent shaping young minds, a testament to her enduring patience and love for children. Outside the classroom, Georgia was an active member of the Purcell Baptist Church and took great pleasure in her hobbies – gardening, crochet, and cooking. She was a woman of resilience, bravely navigating life’s trials with a smile and a heart full of faith.

Georgia was the beloved wife of the late Phillip Harpole, with whom she shared a blessed union from June 16, 1965, until his passing. She leaves behind her loving children, Marinda, Dan (Johnna), and Dusty Harpole; grandchildren, Sam, Hayden (Moriah), Chris and Marcus Harpole and her sister Mary Jane Smith, who will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Phillip Harpole; her parents, George and Mildred Thomas; siblings Gary Thomas, Marvin Younger, Richard Younger and Don Younger. Her family, friends, and former students will remember Georgia as a kind-hearted and dedicated woman.

A Visitation will be held Tuesday April 22, 2025 in the Chapel at Simpson Funeral Home at 1pm. A Funeral Service will be held at 2pm. A precession to Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Carterville Baptist Church or Purcell Baptist Church in care of the Funeral home.

Services are under the personal Care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Georgia. Georgia Harpole, a woman of faith, a dedicated educator, and a loving mother, whose life touched so many, will be dearly missed.