Mr. Gerald J. Roper Sr.

Gerald John Roper was born on June 27, 1945 in New Rochelle, New York. He was the son of the late Mary and Carl Roper. God sent his eternal angels for Gerald on August 27, 2014. Gerald attended North Carolina Central University, Durham, N.C., where he received a B.A. Degree in Geography. He continued his professional education at NCCU School of Law where he received his Juris Doctor Degree. Gerald began his public service career as a Specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Minority Business Enterprises, in Contracts and Grants Division, Washington, D.C. He left federal government on assignment as a Specialist with the District of Columbia’s Model Cities Program. This position led to additional assignments with the D.C Rental Accommodation Office as a Hearing Examiner and Administrative Law Judge. He later joined the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs as a Senior Hearing Examiner. Gerald retired after serving 36 years in the D.C. government Gerald was a man of faith, an advocate, organizer and founder. In his Christian life, Gerald gave his time and talents to The People’s Community Baptist Church where he was a faithful member. There, he served as the Chair of the Political Awareness Ministry and the Foundation Board. For all of his adult life, Gerald had been integrally involved in community, political and other non-profit organizations designed to increase political awareness, ensure justice and to improve the quality of life for everyone. He was a long-time resident and community leader in Montgomery County, Maryland. Gerald’s activist life was grounded in the civil rights movement and the leadership of his parents which led to his involvement in many organizations including: AFL-CIO, NAACP, MLK, Jr. Committee, and the Benjamin Banneker Math and Science Honor Society, just to name a few. Gerald was a co-founder of the Potomac Valley Section of the National Council of Negro Women and a founding member of the Montgomery County African American Democratic Club. Gerald’s outreach to youth as a mentor and tutor emphasized strong family values and education. Gerald was an active member of the Montgomery County chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He was the beloved husband of Mary Roper; devoted father of Brittany and Gerald Roper, Jr. and Mark Harris. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Williams, and a host of other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of donation to the "Gerald J Roper, Sr Memorial Scholarship", and may be sent to: The People's Community Baptist Church, 31 Norwood Rd, Silver Spring MD, 20905

Tributes

Mr. Gerald J. Roper Sr.

June 27, 1945 - August 27, 2014