St. Claire Roper

St. Claire Roper was born September 6, 1952, in Bamberg, South Carolina to the late Curtis Lewis Zeigler, Sr. and Elizabeth Nimmons Zeigler. Reared and educated in Bamberg as a youngster, St. Claire enjoyed growing up with many of her extended family members. The love of family meant the most to her and it was reflected early in her life. Even her name was a combination of two beloved family members: her paternal grandmother, St. Joseph and her paternal aunt, Eva Claire. She was affectionately called “Fluffy” by those who loved her. St. Claire’s mother moved the family from Bamberg to Charleston and affiliated with Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church where she received years of formal Christian education. Life in South Carolina brought about many changes for St. Claire, relocating to Brooklyn, New York, would hopefully bring about a fresh start for her. St. Claire lived with her beloved sister, Helen Zeigler for many years. After arrival in New York, her eldest daughter Anissa was born, and the two sisters committed to rearing their children together all while enjoying their lives to the fullest. St. Claire was a receiving clerk for Macy’s Department Store in Manhattan, New York. During this time, she met and married Fred Simmons and to this union, one daughter Shanicka was born. She continued living in New York for several more years but made a final decision to escape city life for a more relaxed one, by returning to Charleston in the early ‘80s. St. Claire was always ambitious and extremely goal-oriented while functioning as a receiving clerk. She enjoyed her work environment within Belk Department Store, Office Max, Mr. Don’s Shoes, Earth Fare, and CVS Drugstore. She enjoyed an early retirement in 2017. As a single parent, St. Claire provided a nice life for her girls. However, God sent a man who would change their lives forever. Moses “Sonny” Roper met, proposed, and married St. Claire in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends in1984. She soon thereafter joined Morris Brown A.M.E Church under the pastorate of Bishop Blake. Ciera Elizabeth Roper, the baby girl who preceded her in death, was born into this happy union. The entire family shifted its attention to this new bundle of joy and spent years spoiling her. The three girls now grew up in a home where family gatherings with aunts, cousins, and dear friends were always the highlight of every holiday. Sonny could always be found as the grill master for all family gatherings. St. Claire was an incredible cook and became well known for her meat-filled collard greens; rich, meaty okra soup; barbequed pig’s feet, and tasty homestyle lima beans. Her grandson, Joshua always requested his favorite dish of “Frogmore Stew” whenever she traveled to Memphis. She was always careful to oblige his request because she loved cooking for her family. Although Sonny and St. Claire parted their separate ways long before his death in 2017, his family remained committed to maintaining their relationship with her. Her earnest desire was to ensure her grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoyed her company. She was affectionately called MiMi by the grandchildren in Charlotte and Granny by the grandchildren in Memphis. Of all the names by which she was called, MiMi and Granny were the names she loved hearing the most. Even Coffee, the grand dog enjoyed her visits because she knew dog treats would be plenteous. In March 2023, St. Claire made the decision to relocate to Charlotte to be closer to her daughter, Shanicka. Shanicka and her daughters, Paris, Asya, and Lyndon spent the past two weeks visiting her endlessly while she was hospitalized. Sunday family dinners had just begun to be a regular order of the week before the onset of her abrupt illness. The family decided to declare their love for their mother, grandmother, sister, and friend after realizing she was venturing into her heavenly home. It was a beautiful time of love as St. Claire sobbed endlessly after hearing the personalized declarations. Through confession of the mouth and belief in the heart, her salvation was assured and sealed in Jesus Christ. She departed this life on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. There are dear loved ones who preceded her in death: her parents, her baby daughter, Ciera’s son, Karter Moses Roper and one brother, Alvin Henry Zeigler. Her legacy will always be remembered by her loving daughters: Mrs. Anissa Renee Christian (Pastor Waymon T.) of Memphis, TN, and Ms. Shanicka Chantell Simmons of Charlotte, NC; sisters, Ms. Helen Zeigler of Brooklyn, NY, and Ms. Michelle B. Zeigler, Columbia, SC; one brother Curtis Lewis Zeigler, Jr. (Carrie); loving grandchildren: Paris Simmons, Staff Sergeant Joy Christian, USMC, Joshua Christian, Asya Simmons, Lyndon Simmons & great-grandchildren: Chloe Simmons, Carson Simmons, Coby Arnold and Cartier Arnold; sisters-in-law: Geraldine Jenkins, Bernice Simmons, & Andrea Hicks-Washington along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. There were several individuals who will long be remembered for their genuine concern and love for St. Claire: Mr. Leroy Washington, dear family friend; Mrs. Kristin Wilkie-Pugh & family; adopted daughter/grandchildren; Morgan Doctor, goddaughter and Mecca Blakeney, adopted granddaughter.

St. Claire Roper

September 6, 1952 - August 30, 2023