Mary Lewallen Roper, 85, of Goose Creek, SC, died peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, surrounded by family.
She was born in Banks County, GA, on August 15, 1938, to Alvin Dean and Mamie Dodd Lewallen. In Dec 1955, she married the love of her life, Charles Roper, with whom she had six children. After his Air Force career, they lived in SC, GA, and Binghamton, NY (where they deserve credit for introducing country music to the North in 1964). They returned to SC in 1966 and made their permanent home in Goose Creek, SC in 1967. Mary was employed by various grocery stores, particularly as a bookkeeper for Winn Dixie. In fact, she was the first employee assigned to the new Winn Dixie in Berkeley Square in the late 60s. In the 1970s and ’80s, she served as a substitute teacher in Berkeley County schools for several years. She was beloved by her students, many of whom were her children’s friends at the time.
When her husband became a Cub Scout leader and then moved up into Boy Scouts, Mary provided nothing but her full support; however, in later years, she would reminisce that the weekends the boys were away were the times she could actually get something done at home.
Mary was an avid country music fan almost all her life. Her love of music led her in the 80s to create Topstarz Promotions, which was responsible for booking live bands (mostly country) and DJs at venues throughout the state. This experience led to her becoming fast friends with many of the artists she booked in the area, like Conway Twitty, Marty Stuart, and the Bellamy Brothers. She never lost her enthusiasm for the music and was a superfan until the end.
Church was a major influence in her life as a child and again as she raised her own children. She had her kids in church every Sunday and Wednesday whenever possible. Despite the temptation to stray as they got older, they always retained the foundation she and Charles provided.
Mary unfailingly supported her children in all their (legal) endeavors as much as possible. She attended as many of their functions and sporting events as she could, even into adulthood for some. This dedication continued once grandchildren appeared on the scene. She never tired of spending time with them and coaching their parents (her kids) on raising children.
Mary is survived by her husband Charles; children Randy (Neicy), Regina, Jeff (Frances), Jerald (Sue), Shirley, and Steve (Kim); brothers James, Richard, and Aubrey Lewallen; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother Horace Lewallen.
Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Timberridge Baptist Church Cemetery in Gainesville, GA. Mary will lie in state at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon on Friday, November 17, 2023.
A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.wardsfh.com.
Ward’s Funeral Home, Gainesville, is honored to serve the family of Mary Lewallen Roper.
