Arvie Roper, 96
December 16, 1927 – April 10, 2024
Belden- Arvie Wood Roper at the age of 96 was welcomed into her Heavenly home Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Born on December 16, 1927, in Itawamba County, Arvie is the daughter of the late T.W. Wood, and Nova Lee Tindall Wood. A couple years following her Itawamba High School graduation, Arvie married Billy Ford Roper, Sr. on April 2, 1947.
Although she began her career at Central Services Association, and Production Credit, she found the most pride and accomplishment alongside her husband. Together they co-owned Roper and Hester Little Car City in East Tupelo, but eventually ventured solo and owned and operated Roper Toyota off South Gloster. Arvie was well respected in the automobile sales world, being the first female car dealer in Mississippi. She was proud of all her career accomplishments and many accolades. She was also a member of the Altrusa Club.
Arvie was many things, a loving wife, supportive mother, and loyal friend; but she was first and foremost a Christian woman. She was a longtime and faithful member of Belden Baptist Church. She was a Sunday school teacher and Training Union Leader for a number of years and enjoyed singing in the Choir. Prior to her husband’s death she enjoyed traveling especially to Hawaii. Throughout her life she was a talented seamstress; during her younger years she made her own clothes. She also enjoyed tending to her flower garden.
Mrs. Arvie is survived by her son, Tony Roper and his wife, Reeta, of Belden; daughter-in-law, Kathy Roper of Tupelo; four grandchildren, Grant Roper, Clay Roper, Lindsey Roper Hines and her husband, Curt, and Tristam Roper; five great-grandchildren, Sarah Roper, Savannah Roper, Ashton Roper, Roper Hines, and Ford Hines; one sister, Rita Vinson of Madison; sister-in-law, Martha Wood of Plantersville; a host of nieces and nephews; numerous special friends including Ann Cady, Sue and Reuben Greer and, and her entire Sunday school class; and her Deacon, Gary Birch and his wife Phyllis.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Roper, Sr.; son, Billy “Bill” Ford Roper, Jr.; two sisters, Vama Wade, and Helen Gardner; and four brothers, Marvin, Royce, Paul, and Andy Wood.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. until service time Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Pegues, Tupelo.
Services honoring Mrs. Arvie’s life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues with Bro. Don Baggett and Bro. Shane McGivney officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Ted Wood, Ewing Wood, Terry Wood, Phil Wood, Jeff Wade, and David Gardner.
Memorial may be made to Belden Baptist Church, 4121 McCullough Blvd, Belden, Mississippi 38826.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at PegesFuneralHome.com.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
