Leslie Joan Roper, 89, of Port Arthur, Texas passed away Monday, July 18, 2016, at Cypress Glenn Nursing Home. Joan was born January 7, 1930, in Port Arthur, Texas to Clyde and Angie Roper.

She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and earned a music and education degree from Sam Houston State Teacher’s College, and a master’s degree from University of Houston. Joan also studied at the University of Colorado, North Texas University, University of Hawaii, and the University of Pueblo, Pueblo, Mexico.

Joan was a well-known musician and teacher within the Port Arthur area. She taught music, band, and orchestra in the elementary school for Port Arthur Independent School District for 37 years. She was named Teacher of the Year in 1987. Joan also gave private piano lessons for many years.

With piano as her major instrument, she performed the first concerta written for piano and band with Sam Houston Concert Band. She was a charter member of Sigma Alpha Iota (Women’s Music Sorority), and Delta Kappa Gamma Society International an honorary society for women teachers.

Joan was known to her friends and family as a vivacious and bright with a spirited soul. She was passionate about music and loved to travel. She loved butterflies and collecting crystals. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde Roper and Angie Matulik Roper. She is survived by her cousins, Shirley Kleypas and Priscilla Armand. She also leaves behind numerous extended family members and friends to cherish her memories.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday, July 21, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., with services to follow, at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers please send Memorial Contributions in honor of Leslie J. Roper to any society of your choice.