Mary Pettett Roper

Mary Pettett Roper passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026 in Woodstock, Georgia. Mary was born in Atlanta, Georgia and at 17 months of age her family moved to Marietta, Georgia. She graduated from Marietta High School in 1938.

At 13 years of age, Mary was saved along with three of her brothers and joined Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. Several years later she served as a Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir, and later became a member of the Heritage Club. Mary was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church for 92 years. She read her Bible daily and her favorite scripture was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

In November l940, Mary Frances Pettett wed Lloyd Carter Roper and they made their home in Marietta, Georgia. They raised three children, two sons and one daughter. Lloyd and Mary were married 35 years until cancer took Lloyd’s life in 1975. A few years later Mary traveled with her brother George and her sister Evelyn to Europe. She also took a few bus trips with close friends and made many wonderful memories during those travels.

Mary worked at Kennestone Hospital in the gift shop in 1964 and later in the hospital admissions department. She retired 20 years later in 1984. She renewed her love of working outdoors in her beautiful and publicly admired flower garden. She often shared cuttings of her favorite plants with friends and relatives.

How does one begin to sum up 105 years? In a few words, Mary enjoyed much of her life “playing in the dirt” and developed quite a green thumb. She walked with a group of friends at church and later at her assisted living facility. In both places she out-walked many who were much younger in age! Mary was an excellent cook and was noted for her “almost famous” chocolate cake and many other delicious Southern dishes. For many years she was an avid Atlanta Braves fan, as long as they were winning!

Through the years, Mary sent hundreds of greeting cards and included a personal note in each one. At the age of 102 she was featured in Georgia Magazine as a member of “The 100 Club.” When she reached 103 Mary reluctantly developed a sense of humor about aging. One of her favorite sayings was, “I’m not getting old; I just need to be re-potted.” Even when it became difficult for her to walk, she still put one foot in front of the other and willed herself to keep moving.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd Roper, son Don Roper, and daughter-in-law Christine Roper; her parents Jasper and Georgia Pettett, her brothers Hubert, Ralph, Crawford, Ed and George; and sister Evelyn (Pettett) Hartsfield. Mary is survived by her son Richard Roper, daughter Judy (Roper) Mayo, son-in-law Ken Mayo, daughter-in-law Joni Roper, as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A gathering to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at a later date. Contributions in her name may be made to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.