Brenda Joyce Roper, lovingly known as "Ma Ma," "Fatty," "Granny Brenda," and "Auntie Brenda" by those who cherished her, was born on July 18, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, at Michael Reese Hospital to Gertrude Kennedy and Phillip Wright.
From a young age, Brenda embraced her faith and was baptized at Morning Star Baptist Church in Chicago. She attended Forestville School and later DuSable High School, both in Chicago, where she formed lifelong friendships and created many lasting memories.
Brenda was blessed with two sons, Marcelius Roper, born in October 1972, and Dupree Roper, born in July 1975, both in Chicago. In 1991, she relocated to Carbondale, Illinois, where she continued to build a life full of love and community.
Her career spanned positions with the United States Postal Service in Chicago and as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Carbondale Memorial Hospital, where she cared for others with compassion and dedication.
An avid reader, Brenda found joy in simple pleasures like reading the newspaper, mystery novels, challenging herself and others with Sudoku, playing slots, and enjoying spirited Tunk games with family and friends. For the past 10 years, she was able to travel extensively: visiting Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Mexico.
Brenda's memory will be lovingly cherished by her sons, Marcelius (Markida) and Dupree Roper; her grandchildren, JaKayla Roper, Meechie Gibbs, Preeyae Roper, Gaige Owens, Takyia Roper, Makari Roper, and Malyia Roper; and her great-grandchildren, Damarius Liddell, Leilani Freeman, Keimani Freeman, and Ava Lynn Gibbs. She also leaves behind special nieces and nephews, Kita (Martin) Sherrill, Kacy Neal, Shauntele (Michael) Pridgeon, Kama Greer, Phi-Lon Green, and Arlander Green, as well as a host of great nieces and great nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, extended family, cousins, and dear friends. She shared a particularly close bond with her lifelong friend, Sharon "Niecy" Thompson, and the Pope family.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, her twin sisters Carlotta Green and Carretta Neal, her significant other Bruce Pope, and her close friends Aletha "Lula" Williams and Charlene Wells-Hartfield.
Final arrangements have been lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.
Saturday, October 12, 2024
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Starts at 12:00 pm (Central time)
New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
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