Almost as soon as she returned from the Nigerian mission field in 1991, Anita Roper has been a force to be reckoned with in Habersham County. After completing 37 years of work in Nigeria, Anita wasn’t ready to retire.
Within two years, Anita volunteered to help with the American Red Cross blood drives. When the Red Cross provided disaster relief training at Anita’s home church, she enrolled in the course and went on to serve as the captain of the local Disaster Relief Team. About nine years later, Anita became the county coordinator for blood drives. It was through her work with the Red Cross that Anita earned her local name nickname –– The Blood Lady.
Anita Roper is not a stranger to awards and recognitions. She has received multiple honors and recognitions for her work in Nigeria. She’s had buildings named for her, both in Nigeria and here in Georgia. Scholarships have been created in her honor. The American Red Cross recognized her for her volunteer work. The accolades continues as she approaches her 95th birthday.
On Sunday, May 1st, Anita was honored during morning worship. She was escorted onto the worship platform by her niece, Brenda Nicholson.
Rev. Keith Ivey, a Strategist with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, made three presentations to Anita. First, Anita was recognized in a letter from Dr. Paul Chitwood, the president of the International Mission Board for the Southern Baptist Convention. Chitwood recognized her thirty-seven years of mission service in Nigeria and the extensive work she was able to do there.
Ivey then presented Anita with a plaque of appreciation for her years of service, both internationally and in the United States, on behalf of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. Ivey emphasized the legacy of service demonstrated in Anita’s life and commented that he knew she would prefer for him to just recognize Jesus instead. He told her, “This gives us the opportunity to honor the Lord for her service to Him.”
Ivey then made the third presentation on behalf of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Anita’s home church. Ivey cited Anita’s work through the church and in the community and presented her with a monetary gift to use in any way she wanted. Cindy Hogsed, a church member serving on the missions committee and long-time friend of Anita’s, presented Anita with a floral bouquet. Cindy talked about how Anita had influenced her own life when she was a child studying Southern Baptist missionaries. At the end of the presentations, the entire congregation responded with a standing ovation.
Anita graciously accepted the recognitions of her life work, sharing, “Thank you for taking care of me for many, many years. You have prayed for me and supported me for years!” She continued, “I would love to tell you all the Lord has done in my life. But not now. We will all meet together when we get to heaven.”
Anita was accompanied by her niece, Brenda, and Brenda’s husband, Bruce. Brenda spends much of her time looking after Anita. Brenda is quick to point out how happy she is to be involved in her aunt’s life. “I just love her so much,” she says. “I’d do anything for her.”
