Deacon Russell Brown Roper

Russell Brown Roper was born in Amissville, Virginia to the late Paul and Lela Slaughter Brown on November 25, 1925. After the passing of his mother, as an infant, Russell was blessed to be adopted by his paternal aunt Willie and her husband Edward Roper.

Russell grew up on a dairy farm in Jefferson County, WV. He was educated at Eagle Avenue School.  During World War II, Russell was curious about life on the other side of the world and chose to enlist in the United States Navy. Russell was Honorably discharged from the Navy in 1947 at which time he used the G.I. Bill to attend Storer College, where he played football and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1950.

It was on the campus of Storer College in Harpers Ferry, WV that Russell met his beautiful wife, Betty Jean Daniels, to whom he was married 54 years, until her passing in 2001. From this union three children were born: Sharon Kay, Debra Jean, and Mark Edward.

Russell accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized and joined Wainwright Baptist Church. He was committed to his church, later becoming a Deacon and serving as the Chairman of the Deacon Board for many decades. Russell was an active member of American Baptist Churches of the South and Bracket-Morrell Baptist Association, where he served in multiple leadership roles.

Russell and his wife, Betty, were strong advocates of education. He had the distinct honor to boast that each of his 7 grandchildren received a college education.  In 2016, Russell helped create 44 College Ready Foundation, Inc., a non-profit charitable foundation, that provides scholarships and educational support to local students. He was also a proud member of Storer College National Alumni Association. He cherished seeing people obtain educational success.

Russell Brown Roper was a family-man. He would do anything to support and cheer on his loved ones. Russell had a special bond with his son, Mark, who respectfully called his dad, ROPE. In addition to family, Russell enjoyed looking at unique architectural buildings, he loved pets and people. Russell Roper never met a stranger.

Russell's mind and memory stayed sharp well into his 90's. He often recalled the time during the Great Depression when a local bank president came to their dairy farm to ask for a loan. Those memories taught Russell the value of business and landownership. Although Russell served in a segregated military, and witnessed the Jim Crow era firsthand, he never allowed racial inequities, laws, nor barriers to derail his business accomplishments. Russell was an advocate for social justice and strategically pushed past the barriers to obtain his American dream.

After the passing of his beloved wife, Betty, Russell could be found daily having his meals at Grandma's Diner on Washington Street in Charles Town, WV. Although most people did not realize (and Russell did not mention) the fact that he owned the entire building that housed the diner, Russell just enjoyed the conversations with the patrons. Russell was an entrepreneur who encouraged others to pursue their business goals. He owned and maintained the family farm, additionally, he owned and operated a Taxi-stand, a Dry Cleaners, a Night Club, Rental Properties, and a Construction Company. Russell may be best known for being the largest individual landowner in Jefferson County, WV.  Russell was friendly, hard-working, and a master-storyteller who enjoyed talking, listening to good preaching and gospel music. Russell will be missed but his life and legacy will forever be cherished.

Russell Brown Roper passed away peacefully at home with his son, Mark, by his side on the afternoon of Thursday, June 30, 2022.

Russell Brown Roper was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Betty Roper; his sister, Olivia Brown Washington; and his son-in-law, Samuel Jackson. He leaves to cherish his memory his three children: Sharon Roper Jackson of Silver Spring, Md; Debra Corbett (Clifford) of Charles Town, WV; and Mark Roper (Arthena) of Charles Town, WV; seven grandchildren: Danielle Jenyne Battle, Justin Cyrell Battle, Blair Russell Thompson, Clifford Allen Corbett, Jr., Spencer Tumaini Jackson, Marcus Brown Roper, and Myles Edward Roper; two great-granddaughters; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Pallbearers: Justin Battle, Clifford Corbett, Jr., Spencer Jackson, Marcus Roper, Myles Roper, Bryan Sewell, Chaz Shultz, Blair Thompson.

Honorary Pallbearers: Danielle Battle, Peter Chakmakian, Esq., Ralph Lorenzetti, Esq.

INTERNMENT: Johnsontown Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to:

44 COLLEGE READY FOUNDATION, INC.

P.O. Box 144 ~ Charles Town, WV 25414

Or electronically www.ReImagineScholarship.org

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO

Cartwright Funeral Home 232 E. Fairfax Lane Winchester, Va. 22601

www.CartwrightFuneralHome.com

Due to safety concerns the family will not host a repast.

Celebration Honoring the Life and Legacy of Russell Brown Roper will take place Tuesday July 12, 2022, at the Betty J. Roper Auditorium of Wright Denny Intermediate School, 209 West Congress Street, Charles Town, WV.

Viewing: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Celebration of life: 11:00 AM

Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to

Cartwright Funeral Home

Winchester, VA

cartwrightfuneralhome.com