Former Sen. Thelma Harper returns to Tennessee Capitol for the last time to lie in state

Nashville Tennessean

The late Sen. Thelma Harper returned to her beloved Tennessee state Capitol for the last time on Wednesday, lying in state in the building where she represented her Nashville constituents for nearly three decades.

Some women at the Capitol wore dresses and elaborate hats — the latter her signature style piece — as a tribute to her memory.

Harper, the first Black woman to serve in the Tennessee Senate, died April 22 at age 80.

The event Wednesday was held amid the bustle of the end of the legislative session, and was part of a week-long series of visitations and services to celebrate Harper's life. On Tuesday, Harper lay in state at Nashville's Metro Courthouse.

Legislators and members of the public lined up outside the historic legislative lounge Wednesday to pay their respects as Harper lay in her casket in a navy blue dress and matching hat.

Cards bearing a portrait of the late former state Senator Thelma Harper are stacked in the legislative lounge of the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

"My mother didn't see race, class, she did not even see Democrat or Republican," said her daughter, Linda Harper, as she addressed Gov. Bill Lee, the House and Senate speakers and other legislators close to Harper. "She saw your heart."

Her daughter explained that in addition to Harper's biological family, she had her "political family."

"She loved the state of Tennessee. She loved being in the Senate," Linda Harper said. "When they tried to get her to run for other offices, she said 'No. I stand with my district.'"

More:Tennesseans honor Thelma Harper at Nashville's Metro Courthouse

More:Former Sen. Thelma Harper, first Black woman in Tennessee Senate, dies at 80

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, who served in the chamber with Harper throughout her time in office, described her as "the true epitome of the best of the best we've had."

Tennessee State Senator Raumesh Akbari waits to pay her respects to the late former state Sen. Thelma Harper as she lies in state at the Tennessee Capitol legislative lounge in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

"She was always kind and courteous, but her beliefs were strong and she expressed those beliefs," said McNally, who was on the opposite side of the political aisle as Harper. "You can't ask for anything more from a legislator."

Senate Democratic Caucus Chairwoman Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, wore a black dress and a large matching hat in honor of Harper, explaining she "shattered ceilings for women like me."

Rep. Harold Love, whose father also served in the legislature with Harper, also made remarks.

"We celebrate, yet with sorrow in our hearts we rejoice," Love said.

He explained Harper had been given a new hat, one she couldn't receive during her lifetime: "the golden crown of God."

Linda Harper, daughter of the late former state Senator Thelma Harper, speaks as her mother lies in state at the Tennessee Capitol legislative lounge in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

Reach Natalie Allison at nallison@tennessean.com. Follow her on Twitter at @natalie_allison.

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