Harper Michelle Ryals

Harper Michelle Ryals, a radiant spirit whose light touched the hearts of all she encountered, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024, in Houston, Texas, at the tender age of five. Born on May 17, 2019, in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Harper loved singing, dancing, painting, gaming and watching movies. She loved cuddling with her family and also enjoyed swimming. Harper's greatest achievement was winning the hearts of every person she met. 

Harper was a kindergarten student at Roberts Elementary School in Houston, TX. She was a double lung transplant recipient, a true warrior in her fight against Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT). Despite her challenges, she exuded an infectious joy and an unwavering faith as a Christian, proudly identifying as "God's Baby", which was one of her proudest accomplishments.

Harper leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory. She is survived by her father, David Ryals, and her mother, Rebecca Alford Newman. She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings, Melody Ryals, Victoria Ryals, and Caelum Newman. Harper's extended family includes her aunts and uncles, Emily Ryals, Phillip Darnell, Brittany and Joshua Alford, Olivia and Skyler Hudson, and Jacob Whittington, along with her cousins, Chaylynn and Michael Gerald, Dominic and Rosalie Alford, Brantley and Brinnleigh Hudson, as well as her grandparents, Rebecca Whittington, James Whittington, David Alford, and Leslie Alford, and great-grandparents, Carol Jones and Dawn Herndon. She is also lovingly remembered by her step-parents, Jazmine Ryals and Austin Newman.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Jerry Ryals; her sister, Marley Ryals; and her great-grandparent, Michael Jones.

Harper's legacy will live on through the profound impact she made during her short time with us and her courageous decision to become an organ donor, contributing to lung donation for tissue research aimed at curing HHT. Her strength and spirit will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Harper to the Ronald McDonald House of Little Rock, Arkansas, Ochsner Hospital for Children in New Orleans, Louisiana, Children's Transplant Initiative of Houston, Texas, and Texas Children's Hospital - Child Life Department.