Charity suffereth long, and is kind; And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. I Corinthians 13:4, 13 Cleola Reid Roper, a daughter of the late Alex and Theresa Brown Reid, was born May 15, 1921, in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. She was educated in the public schools of Berkeley County, SC. She continued her education at Claflin College, Orangeburg, SC, attaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She was a teacher in the Berkeley County School System for over 30 years, as well as, assisting with civic and community activities. Cleola positively impacted many lives in her role as a teacher. Cleola was united in matrimony to Richard Roper, Jr. on September 20, 1942. This union was blessed with one daughter, Thelma Deloris. This union of love lasted for 69 ½ years with many happy times together. Cleola was reared in a home full of strong Christian values instilled in her by her parents. Her Christian pilgrimage began at Solomon Temple United Methodist Church in Moncks Corner, SC, where she was baptized and confirmed. She served as Pastor Parish Relation, Sunday School Teacher, Church Secretary, and a member of the Finance Committee. "It is arduous work to keep the Master's ambition in front." "Keeping God's promises and working to claim the fulfillment of His Will, I will serve the Master." With these thoughts in mind, Cleola dedicated her life serving the church and community in many capacities. In 1989, she joined Greater Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Moncks Corner, SC. She served in many capacities: the Steward Board, Finance Committee, Women's Missionary Society, and in other areas. Cleola was very aggressive, committed, and dedicated in her church and life. She always reached for the best in her personal life, in her home, in the organizations of which she was a part of and in the church she served. She was willing to serve and help others in any capacity where she was needed. In January 2012, Cleola and her husband, Richard, contributed the funds to furnish and decorate a Conference Room which is located on the second floor of Greater Emanuel A.M.E. Church. Two loves could always be seen in her life: a love for God and a love for people. Because of Christ's love, she knew no strangers. She was a blessing to many. Cleola was a faithful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. On March 22, 2012, Cleola answered the calling, "Come Home, Come Home." She quietly slipped away in a peaceful sleep into eternal life with the Lord. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving and devoted husband, Richard Roper, Jr.; her loving daughter, Thelma Deloris Roper Neil (Ronald II); grandchildren, Ronald McKiever Neil, III (Anita) and Brandon Roper Neil; great-grandchildren, Ronald McKiever Neil IV and Rashad Lee Neil; sisters-in-law, Louise Roper-Harris, Lucille Roper Edwards of Summerville, SC; brother-in-law, Bishop Joseph Wigfall of Oakland, CA; stepsisters, Mazie Bell Brooks, Hilda Ellis Mazyck of Summerville, SC; stepbrother, Benjamin Ellis (Ethel) of Summerville, SC; a devoted niece, Bertha Roper Davis (David) of Moncks Corner, SC; a numerous other niece, nephews, cousins, in-laws, relatives and friends.