Selina Speaks Harper

Selina Speaks Harper, 64, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away on May 1, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. Born in Winston-Salem on September 9, 1961, and raised in Kernersville, she remained deeply connected to the community she called home throughout her life.

Selina was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She is survived by her loving husband, Johnny Eugene Harper; her son, Steven Andrew Mitchell; and her daughter, Amber Michelle Mitchell. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Emma Grace Mitchell, David Bryson Mitchell, Blaine Lee Ellis, Steven Dallas Mitchell, and Camdyn Nicole Mitchell, who were truly the light of her life. She is also survived by her mother, Willaree Mary Fletcher Jessup, and her sister, Wendy Speaks Cortez, along with several beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Gray Speaks, and her first husband, David Todd Mitchell.

For more than 20 years, Selina worked at Allegacy Federal Credit Union, where she built lasting relationships and served the Kernersville community with genuine care and kindness. She was deeply loved by her clients and coworkers alike, leaving an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Selina had a heart of gold and a kindness that extended to everyone she met. She was a bright light in the lives of so many—full of warmth, laughter, and love. Her laugh was truly unforgettable, infectious, joyful, and impossible not to join in. Once she got tickled, everyone around her couldn’t help but laugh right along with her.

She was the definition of a Southern belle—always beautifully put together, never a hair out of place, and known for her love of a good pedicure and her signature Clinique lip color. Her home reflected her in every way: warm, welcoming, and immaculately kept, with an attention to detail that was simply unmatched.

Selina loved deeply and wholeheartedly, especially when it came to her children and grandchildren. She stayed closely connected to those she loved—often calling throughout the day just to check in. In recent years, she discovered FaceTime and quickly made it her favorite way to connect. She never quite mastered hanging up, leading to the sweetest, lingering goodbyes filled with “I love yous” that no one ever wanted to end.

She was spirited and full of life, always ready to say, “Come on Johnny, let’s dance,” and find joy in the moment. She found peace in the simple things—watching and feeding her beloved birds, traveling with her husband (especially to the mountains and Carolina Beach), and never going anywhere without her trusty Owala water bottle by her side.

Her faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted child of God who grew deeply in her faith, faithfully beginning each day with Bible study. Her love for the Lord brought her peace, strength, and comfort, especially in her final season.

Selina also had a gift for bringing people together. She loved hosting family gatherings, filling her home with laughter, love, and togetherness. Even if she was famously running a little late—making sure everything (and everyone) was just right—she showed up with her whole heart every time.

A memorial service to celebrate Selina’s life will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Family will receive visitors starting at 2:00 PM and service will began at 3:00 PM at Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Home.

Selina’s love, laughter, and light will live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.