Eva May Hornbaker was born on May 2, 1923 to Cecil and Margaret Hornbaker of Newton, Kansas. Two years later, her little brother, Bill, completed the family. Her entire childhood was spent in Newton and she graduated as a Newton Railroader in 1941. Coming to Bethany to attend Bethany-Peniel College (now SNU) was always her dream. The moment she stepped foot on "Hallowed Ground" she became a Bethany-ite, and for 78 years she lived and breathed Bethany the school, city, church, people, family. Eva May was the true embodiment of her city. Whether it was by singing in the choir at Bethany First Nazarene Church for 71 years, teaching at Bethany Public Schools for 30 years or selling Avon for 38 years, she knew everyone and everything. While at Bethany-Peniel College, she met the love of her life, Leonard C. Harper. They were married August 29, 1944 and their only child, Peggy Lynn, was born September 23, 1948. Leonard went to be with the Lord in 1980 and now on February 4, 2019, Eva May has joined him in heaven. They are singing and praising God, together at last. Two of her greatest joys in life were her two grandsons, Preston Simms (1982), and Reed Simms (1985). You will never meet a more involved Gran-Gran. Taking trips, hitting balls, shooting baskets, playing cards, and attending every ballgame or event, she was always there. Eva May was a woman of service. She received numerous awards for her service and generosity, such as SNU Alumni of the Year, BPS Wall of Fame, and Cathedral Choir Member of the Year. If you added all her service years, the total would be well over 150 years, including 28 years with Meals on Wheels, 20 years on Bethany First Nazarenes church board, 75 years in various choirs and singing ensembles and 30 years of birthday card outreach (everyone says they got a card from Eva May every single year). In addition, Eva May organized a group for widows and was known as an encourager and an includer. She made giving to others a priority, knowing that her God would always provide for her. Now she has achieved the greatest of all rewards. WELL DONE THY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. Special love, thanks and appreciation to her favorite nephew, Dr. Chuck Hornbaker and wife Connie who were with her at her passing. A celebration of Eva Mays life will be Tuesday, Feb. 12th at 2:00pm at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Leonard and Eva May Harper scholarship fund at Southern Nazarene University. Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Friday, February 08, 2019 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Memorial Service Bethany First Church of the Nazarene Tuesday, February 12, 2019 2:00 PM 6789 N.W. 39th Expressway Bethany, Oklahoma 73008