Theresa L. Cunningham-Roper

Theresa was born February 8, 1953 to Claudette and Joseph Brown, both whom preceded her in death. In 1967 she completed Vincennes Elementary School and later received her GED from Dawson Technical Institute.

Theresa was an arduous worker. Some of her means of livelihood included, a secretary, working for the United Parcel Service and as a self-employed hairstylist, braiding hair for over 25 years. She even found time to volunteer for inner city community schools.

Theresa enjoyed hosting annual holiday parties, celebrating Aquarius birthday bashes, and cooking. She was known for her desserts and always made sure there was enough food for everyone. Theresa often shared her passion for sewing in addition to baking with her family. However, it was her talent for drawing and dancing that made her unique. Theresa was a member of the 50th Street Club also known as “The Valley” for many years. Theresa was always willing to help those in need, including the homeless and at-risk youths. While she was committed to serving her community, her greatest commitment was to her family. Theresa was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

In 1968, Theresa met Robert Akins Sr. to this union, three children were born. Windy, Sandy and Robert Jr. Robert Jr. preceded her in death. After raising her children, Teresa wanted to be a mother again. She adopted her daughter Breanna loving her as if she were her own.

Theresa accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age. She was a member of the New Faith Missionary Baptist church where she was baptized by Reverend Howard Randolph. She had a special love for reading the Bible and serving God.

March 17, 2018 Theresa married the love of her life, Tommy “Bilbo” Roper. She was excited to share with everyone that she was happily married. April 19, 2023 Theresa spread her wings and went home to be with the Lord. She was surrounded by family and friends when she made her transition.

Theresa was preceded in death by her son Robert Jr., three sisters, Paulette Dishmon, Tonie Blackwell, Lestine Brown and a brother, Lawrence Brown.

Theresa leaves to cherish her loving memories, her husband, Tommy “Bilbo” Roper, three daughters, Sandy (Fadel), Windy (Robert) Shoemaker, and Breanna, two sisters, Dianne, Pamela (Frederick) Moore, one brother, Darrell Joseph Brown; grandchildren Robert (Danielle) Shoemaker, David James (Amber), Donnie, Terry H. Lil Wendy, Lil Sandy, Candy (Lawrence) O’Lowey, James E. Franklin Jr. Trevoy (Toya), Fadel (Charnaya), Mohammed, Corey, and MeghanMohammed; thirty great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, a host of cousins, other relatives, and special friends, Osie (Alice), Catron, Shawn, Shelley, Xavier, Do, and Freda.

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