Arlena Patrice Roper was born on February 23, 1981 in Durham, North Carolina. She was the daughter of Autry Roper and the late Patricia Roper. On Saturday, September 17, 2022, God looked down on her and called her home.
Arlena was educated in Durham Public Schools system and graduated from Hillside High School. She also took respiratory tech classes at Durham Technical Community College. In 2019, Arlena and MaHogany co-founded MaHogany Gives Back Purse Drive. This drive consisted of the two collecting purses and filling them with daily necessities such as oral hygiene kits, soap, and lotion. These purses were donated to underprivileged women and children in the RDU area; thus far over 200 residents have received purses from this initiative.
During her adult years, she worked in various settings including serving as an Instructional Assistant for Durham Public Schools and Administrative Assistant at North Carolina Central University. When not at work, she was often found enjoying time with MaHogany. In her spare time, she loved to laugh, sing, and watch her favorite shows including Queen of the South. Arlena was an animal lover and loved to volunteer in the community. She was a member of Voices of Praise and Mass Choir at Greater Waltown United Holy Church, Inc.
Arlena was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Roper. She leaves a legacy of love and precious memories that will last forever in the hearts and minds of her family and friends. She leaves to cherish her memories a supportive father: Mr. Autry Roper of Durham; her loving daughter to whom she was wholeheartedly devoted: Ms. MaHogany Roper of Durham; two brothers: Mr. Aaron Roper and Mr. Vincent Roper both of Durham; her grandmother: Ida Bryant of Durham; a host of family members and friends including her besties: Ms. Theresa McLaurin of Durham, Ms. Erin Latta of Greensboro, Ms. Nicole Lassiter of Durham, and Ms. Melody Flintroy of Compton.
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