The North Dallas Gazette and African American publishing community was sadden to lose a valued colleague this week with the death of Constance (Connie) Harper, the Associate Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Call & Post Newspaper last Friday. Harper served the Cleveland community for many years and was scheduled to be inducted into the Press Club Hall of Fame on Nov. 7.
Harper was attending homecoming events at her alma mater Central State University in Xenia, Ohio when she suffered a heart attack.
On behalf of the family her nephew Adam Trumbo released the following statement:
“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the death of my aunt, Constance (Connie) Harper, associate publisher and editor of the Call & Post newspapers. She passed away peacefully tonight surrounded by family and  close friends.
My mother Judge Sara J. Harper, I and the entire Harper-Trumbo family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Miami Valley Hospital for the care and concern that they showed my aunt and our family during this most difficult time.
My family and I find ourselves humbled by the outpouring of love, support and prayers we have  received from the nation.
My aunt’s greatest joy was sharing with others the success, concerns and struggles of Cleveland’s black community as associate publisher and editor of the Call & Post Newspapers.”
Her work over the years was heralded by many including Ohio State Legislator Bill Patmon who shared, “For the greater community and for someone from our community to communicate about us that we are not all about handcuffs or doing something we had no business doing, and the good things, those stories often came from Connie Harper.”
Ohio Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge released a statement over the weekend stating,” “Throughout her life, Constance D. Harper used her gifts as a journalist, newspaper executive and civic leader to benefit the community and improve the lives of the most vulnerable among us. Though we mourn the loss of Ms. Harper, we give thanks for her many contributions that have enriched so many people in Cleveland and throughout the State of Ohio.”
Call & Post’s Managing Editor, Kevin D. Heard proclaimed via the paper’s website, “The name Constance D. Harper has become synonymous with journalism throughout Ohio and beyond. Journalism has been a large part of her life’s work for more than 60 years.” He lauded her contributions as a mentor to young journalists over the last six decades, and shared,” The many lives she touched as a community advocate and media representative are immeasurable.”
Harper was 81 years old at her passing, just a few days short of her 82nd birthday on Oct. 28. She is survived by  her sister, retired Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals judge Sara J. Harper, and their sister Gloria, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
 Harper, the Associate Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Call & Post Newspaper last Friday at the age of 81 years old.){kind=link}