May 10, 1982 – October 4, 2021
While the world at times may be dark and gray
You are all of the colors of God’s rainbow
Showering us with your love in infinite hues and shades.
~ Love, Dad and Mom
Our sweet, beautiful, and amazing daughter, Kelli Rene Roper, soared from this world to be in the arms of her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 4, 2021. Kelli was born to her loving parents in Jacksonville, Florida, May 10, 1982. She was such a sweet, tender-hearted child and was absolutely adored by everyone. She attended church from birth, loved Sunday School, and couldn’t wait to go to Children’s Choir every week! On her nursery wall and throughout her lifetime had hung the sweet verse:
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things.” Psalm 119:18
At 7 years of age, Kelli asked the Lord Jesus into her heart. She was baptized in March of 1991 at Southside Estates Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida. Her Dad, Mom, big brother and the rest of the family were so proud of her!
Kelli attended Hogan Elementary School, Florida, and loved going to school to see her friends, sing in the choir, and attend many after school activities including gymnastics, cheerleading, and playing the piano. She and her family enjoyed time on the lake at her grandparents and loved water skiing with her big brother! The family also loved boating up and down the Inter-coastal Waterway, which was where she first fell in love with dolphins as they would swim along and around the boat chittering and playing.
In 1991, Kelli and her family moved to Woodstock, Georgia and fell in love with the breathtaking North Georgia mountains and began hiking, camping, traveling, and getting used to their new life as Georgia “peaches.” They quickly sought out a church family and began serving at Wildwood Baptist Church. The Lord called them to serve at Summit Baptist Church and Kelli was very active in the youth group and choir.
The years were kind to Kelli as she attended Chapman Elementary and E.T. Booth Middle School, Georgia. She was very active in choir and drama at both schools and dance brought her many performance opportunities which she totally enjoyed. While at E.T. Booth Middle School she developed an interest in playing the oboe and exceled in the instrument. She also began playing fast-pitch softball. She loved it!! Even better, her dad became a coach during several seasons. Her team won many trophies during those years.
Kelli was very proud to be in the first graduating class (2000) of Woodstock High School, Georgia. She immediately joined the orchestra playing her oboe. She became co-captain of the Woodstock Marching Band Color Guard in her senior year until health issues became evident and, sadly, it was advised she no longer participate. This was very hard for her and the family as she adored color guard and they loved watching her perform!
Kelli was accepted to Kennesaw State University (‘KSU’), Georgia, in 2000. Throughout the pain of the newly diagnosed Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome (‘EDS’) and many surgeries she continued to attend classes. In 2006, she was so very proud and excited to walk with her graduating class to receive her long-awaited Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at KSU, home of her “Fighting Owls”.
Kelli was offered an exciting opportunity as a new accounting intern with Fresenius Medical Company (‘Fresenius’), who were so impressed they offered her a permanent job. Sadly her health took a turn for the worse and she left Fresenius to continue seeking medical treatments for the EDS that had so imprisoned her in a life of pain.
Kelli was thrilled when she became the aunt to three wonderful nieces of whom she adored!!!! Most recently, she also met an absolutely wonderful young man of whom she quickly fell in love. He was everything to her as she was to him. Beloved forever soulmates! He called her his ‘Sweet Baby Girl’ and encouraged her to keep up the hobby she most loved – homemade craft cards. She tried to teach her mom but mom was not a good student and was quickly informed by Kelli to stick to singing!
Kelli was a loving Christian daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and best friend. She is survived by her parents, Denis and Stephanie Roper; her brother, Justin (Moriah) Roper; her beloved fiancé, Bryan Wilson; her grandparents, Hoyle (‘Bobby’) and Sandra Buie; aunt, Scheryl (James) Strickland; uncles, John (‘Johnny’) (Barbara) Roper and Doug (Diann) Roper; and cousins, Matthew (Hillary) Strickland, Jason Strickland, Ada (Shaun) Jourdan, and Gealean (Pete) Roeters. She is also survived by her precious nieces, Kathryn (‘Katie’), Lauren, and Anna Roper and numerous other family members and loved ones. She was preceded in death by grandparents, T.L and Florence Roper.
Kelli has left an unimaginable hole in our hearts and will be missed and loved forever!!
“4And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes;
There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.
There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”
Revelation 21:4, 5
Kelli’s Special Prayer:
Thank you for the sunshine
Thank you for the rain
Thank you for the strength
To follow in your way.
~ Mom
The family extends invitations for Kelli’s Celebration of Life ceremonies at the following locations:
Georgia
Summit Baptist Church
4310 Moon Station Lane N.W.
Acworth, Georgia 30101
Saturday, October 16, 2021
1PM – Family Available for Greeting
2 PM – Celebration of Life Service
Florida
Hardage - Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery
4300 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Saturday, October 23, 2021
1 PM – Family Available for Greeting
2 PM – Celebration of Life Service
3 PM – Graveside – family members only
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to Ehlers Danlos Society:
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