Harper was born on October 15, 1950, in Baltimore City to Geneva and Andres Himan.

She attended Catholic schools in Baltimore and graduated from the St. Francis Academy Highschool there in 1968.

[1] Harper was a member of the Baltimore City Democratic Central Committee.

Harper was also the co-chair, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Transition Team in 2010.

Harper was appointed by Governor O'Malley to fill the vacancy created after the death of Delegate Hattie N. Harrison.