Janice "Necie" Roper

Janice “Necie” Roper, 89, of Pineville, KY passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday,

October 1, 2024, at Pineville Community Health Center. Necie was a lifelong resident of

Pineville and attended Bell County High School (class of 1954) where she was a majorette,

drum major, member of the band and pep clubs, and a cheerleader. Admired for not just

her physical beauty but vibrant personality, she was named Football Queen in 1952 and

Most Popular Girl in 1954.

Necie was an active member of her community serving in Homemakers Club, a den mother

for Boy Scouts of America, a volunteer with the local homeless shelter, and in her later

years, a constant presence at Seniors where she enjoyed playing shuffleboard.

She was a long-standing faithful member of First United Methodist Church, now called

Community Church. Necie worked in admissions for Pineville Community Hospital for 20

years and was known for her work ethic, wit, and sass.

Necie was born February 20, 1935, in Kettle Island, KY to Graden and Sallie (Wilson)

Howard. She was a daddy’s girl who carried on his sense of humor and penchant for

frugality. She is preceded in death by her parents; beloved sister, Alma Lumpkins (Gene);

infant brother, Vernon Howard; niece, Tammy Lumpkins; daughter-in-law, Renee Roper;

Susan Messer Davenport, who was like a daughter to her; and Brent Engle, who was like a

third son.

She is survived by her three children, Allen (Joanie) Roper of Shelbyville, KY; Doug Roper of

Pineville, KY; and Sally Roper (Buck Cole) of Blountville, TN; three grandchildren, Jeremy

(Kim) Roper of Simpsonville, KY; Rachel (Gary) Howard of Pineville, KY; and Christian L.

Williams (David Clifford) of Nashville, TN; one great-grandchild, Khloe Howard of Pineville,

KY; niece, Tere Chipman (Carl) of Fayetteville, NC; grand-niece, Raedawn Smith and her

son, Knox, of Barbourville, KY; her Horseshoe Drive friends and neighbors; and close friend,

Joy Morgan.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the third-floor south wing employees of

PCHC  and Blue Grass Hospice for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Necie’s honor to Pineville

Senior Citizens Center, P.O. Box 64, Middlesboro, KY 40965, reflecting her commitment to

service and love for her community.

At her request, cremation was performed at Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation

Center. Necie’s final resting place will be at a family cemetery next to her parents and

brother.