Harp belongs to the Maple Hills Garden Club
Grandson Spence, Harp, and her daughter and son-in-law, Maxi and Roy Walker
Gay and Max Harp in Branson, Mo.
At Altrusa, Harp was instrumental in a project that established the Fayetteville Public Schools Dental Clinic for students in need; the Builder of Women project at the high school’s West Campus, and the Trade-A-Book initiative. She was also the lead volunteer in Altrusa’s outreach program that brought special sessions of Washington County Drug Court into area middle schools, junior highs and high schools.
“It’s all about releasing the responsibilities I used to have and being in an environment where everything is taken care of,” Harp said of the Butterfield lifestyle. “It’s not hard getting used to.”
In 2004, Harp was named Altrusan of the Year, and in 2012 she received the Lamplighter Award, Altrusa’s highest honor for longtime service.
Ask Harp what she’s most proud of, and she’s quick to say her family. Daughter Maxi Harp Walker, who is a retired buyer for Sam’s Club and Walmart, and her husband, Roy Walker, both live in North Carolina, where Roy owns a consulting firm. While grandson, Spence, is a student at the University of Arkansas – making visits to Granny all the more convenient.
In March 2008, she was one of five Washington County women who Altrusa honored at the 10th Annual Women’s History Month Banquet. Harp along with Ann Henry, Maurice McClelland, Mary Alice Serafini and Ann Sugg were honored as women who’d made exceptional contributions to Washington County. KEEPING IT LIGHT Since she moved to the Village last year, Harp has indulged in relaxing and letting go. With no lawn maintenance or major home repairs, frontdoor transportation to area performing arts and Razorback sports events, and chef-prepared meals in the BTV Dining Room, Bistro or Lodge, it’s been easy, she says.
8 BUTTERFIELD LIFE
JULY + AUGUST 2018
Although she no longer holds any board positions, Harp is still active in Altrusa and the Maple Hills Garden Club in Fayetteville. She’s a longtime member of Blackburn Covenant Community Church.
Harp is a tried and true Hog fan who’s been a member of the Razorback Foundation since 1979. She thoroughly enjoys her front-row seats behind the players at football games, and she attends basketball games too. In step with keeping things light, she’s a big fan of gathering with friends and neighbors at the Village to play games. That’s right. Mexican Train, DoubleSix dominos, Mah Jongg. Harp even organized a BTV women’s group that plays Double-Six every week. “Yes, I really enjoy playing games,” she said with a chuckle. “I’m so tickled that I can walk out my front door and have all these games to play with friends and neighbors. I may just quit everything else.”