Julius Earl Roper

Elder Julius Earl Roper

Elder Julius Earl Roper, age 88, was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and went home to be with the Lord on September 3, 2026. A proud graduate of Austin High School, Elder Roper lived a life devoted to God, his family, and ministry. Elder Roper was saved and filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost at an early age. He was among the preachers who were blessed to have hands laid upon them by Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, founder of the Church of God in Christ—a distinction he carried throughout a lifetime of ministry.

He began serving at Rock Temple Church of God in Christ and later became Assistant Pastor under the late Dr. Donald L. Derrickson, Sr. From 1966 to 1972, he pastored Community Chapel Church of God in Christ. Following his pastorate, Elder Roper traveled throughout the United States as an evangelist, preaching the Gospel and compelling people from all walks of life to give their lives to Christ. Upon returning home, Elder Roper served faithfully for many years at Smith Chapel Church of God in Christ. He later founded Saints Memorial Church of God in Christ, the first Church of God in Christ established in Maryville, Tennessee. At the time of his passing, he was a faithful member of New Vision Ministries Church of God in Christ, where his wisdom, knowledge, faith, and faithfulness continued to serve as an example to others.

Elder Roper was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Roper, Sr. and Delphia Roper; his devoted wife of forty years, First Lady Missionary Jeanette Williams Roper; his second wife, Mrs. Ann Roper; sisters, Halene, Josephine, Juanita, and Ella Mae; brother, Harold (Doris) Roper, Jr.; and aunt, Fannie Thompson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughters, Trudy Roper and First Lady Dr. Julia (Superintendent Joel E.) Roper-Walker; beloved grandchildren, Caleb and Gabrielle Walker; sister-in-law, Doris Roper; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He also leaves to cherish his memory his loyal caregiver, Evangelist Deena Mosley; dear friend, Rita Walker; Mr. Buddy Kershaw; Elder James Allen; and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Sanders.

Elder Roper spent his life preaching, serving, and pointing others toward Christ. His voice may now be still, but the lives he touched, the ministry he established, and the faith he lived will continue to speak.

“He fought a good fight, he finished his course, and he kept the faith.”

Funeral service will be held on Saturday September 12, 2026 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church at 12:00 p.m. Family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Interment will be Monday September 14, 2026 at Sherwood Gardens, Alcoa at 11:00 a.m. The viewing will be Friday at Foothills Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.