Willie "Billye" Roper

On July 29, 1932, God blessed the world with the life of Willie Belle Brewer Roper. On March 13, 2026, at 93½ years of age, she completed her earthly journey and returned to the tender loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, entering her eternal home. Preceding in death are the love of her life, husband, Edward. D. Roper, Jr. parents; Brown & Elsie Brewer; sisters; Myrtle M. B. Johnson, Lucy B. Tillman; brother; Brown Brewer, Jr. .

Mrs. Wille Belle Roper, affectionately known as “Billye,” entered this world with grace, determination, and a quiet strength that would shape generations. She was a lifetime member of the Greater Mount Moriah P.B. Church. A proud 1950 honors graduate of Second Ward High School, she carried her education not as a credential, but as a calling—to open doors that had never been opened for African American women in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In 1953, “Billye” made history as the first African American female hired by Green Tree at Tate Brown in the Ladies Department, becoming the first Black woman to work “out front” in the public eye. Her presence alone challenged norms, expanded possibilities, and signaled a new era for women of color in the city. She walked through that door with dignity, and in doing so, she held it open for countless others.

Life would test her resilience in profound ways. In 1965, she was widowed and left to raise her two beloved children—Edward Daniel “Danny” Roper, III and Rev. Mildred Arleit Roper McCullough. With unwavering faith and a mother’s resolve, she worked during the day, cared for her children, and attended night school to gain skills in the financial services industry. Her determination not only sustained her family—it launched a distinguished banking career.

In 1966, “Billye” again broke barriers, becoming the first African American female hired by First Citizen’s Bank and Trust Company in Charlotte. With excellence as her standard, she built a career marked by integrity, professionalism, and quiet leadership, earning 32 years of dedicated tenure until her retirement in 1998. Her presence in the banking industry was more than employment—it was representation, progress, and legacy.

Mrs. Roper’s commitment to service extended far beyond the workplace. A devoted member of Greater Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church, she served faithfully as Treasurer for more than 35 years, President of the Senior Missionary Circle for 13 years, and Sunday School Teacher of Intermediate females for over 15 years. Her stewardship was marked by accuracy, trustworthiness, and a deep love for her church family. She gave not only her time, but her heart.

To know “Billye” was to know grace, perseverance, and unwavering faith. She was a mother who sacrificed, a trailblazer who opened doors, a professional who excelled, and a servant who gave generously. Her life was a testament to what is possible when courage meets opportunity and faith meets determination. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, dignity, and love—one that will continue to inspire her family, her church, and the Charlotte community for generations to come.

To cherish “Billye’s” legend in loving memory are; one son and daughter; Edward D. Roper, III (Rev. Jacqueline), Rev. Mildred A. McCullough (Elder Willie), 10 grandchildren; Chuck D. Connor, Kenneth D. Roper (Narissa), Scheldon J. Connor (Amanda), Edward D. Roper, IV (Yelena), Joshua D. Roper (Nicole), Brittany D. Streeter (Steven), “C.J.” Polite Jr., blended grand-children; Fred Price (Netta), Rickey Price (Rev. Dianna), Monty McCullough, 13 great-grandchildren; D’Huan M. Connor, Schawn J. Connor, Scheldon, J. Connor, Amina I. Connor, Zaya Roper, Carter Roper, Kennedy Roper, Zamir Roper, Christian Roper. Kenneth Roper, Jr., Seven Streeter, Rickey Price, Jr. Rianna D. Price; 7 nieces’; Javonne Brewer, Thomasina Lockhart, Susan House, Deborah House, Min. Teresa Moss (Bobby), Deacon Michele Crowder (Rev. Melvin), and Maria Johnson. 2 Nephews; Tony Tillman and Carlos Fletcher (Sharon), and a host of beloved cousins and God-given sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, and grands.

To God be the Glory for the extraordinary life of Mrs. Wille Belle “Billye” Roper!