Deaconess Elmira Roberson

Elmira Beatrice Roberson was born on June 18, 1928 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.  Elmira was the 3rd child of 14 born to William Henry Fowler and Letitia Elizabeth Stewart.  Elmira was promoted from earth to Glory on Wednesday January 29, 2020.

Elmira was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Deacon James A. Roberson Sr., her parents William and Letitia Fowler, siblings Eleanor, Vivian, Robert, Leonard, Bernard, Russell and Janice.  Elmira leaves behind to cherish her memories, her beloved six children and their spouses – Pamela Anderson (Kenneth Anderson), James A. Roberson Jr. (Sandra Roberson), Pastor Keith W. Roberson I (First Lady Brenda Roberson), Electra Hadad-Roberson, Ray Roberson (Pauline Roberson), and Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Philip V. Roberson (Catherine Roberson).  Siblings, Vernon Fowler, Ruth Montague, Jean Dunn, Lillian Fowler, Carl Wayne Fowler, and Barbara James will cherish her memories as well.  

Reared in a Christian home, she and her siblings attended a private school.  At an early age she enjoyed house keeping and she had a keen interest in interior design, floral arrangements and fashion design.  Elmira committed her life to Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ and would be used for his divine service.  She grew to know the Lord and had a personal relationship with her Savior.  Elmira enjoyed reading and studying the Word of God, she often engaged herself in biblical conversation with her siblings and later in life with her children. 

In 1955 she met and married the love of her life, James A. Roberson Sr. They spent 55 years together in Holy Matrimony. Their marriage was built on the Word of the God.  They truly were the Godly definition of a great marriage and now they are re-joined with each other in Glory. They reared their 6 children on the principals of the Word of God (Ephesians 5:22-30).

Deacon and Deaconess Roberson attended Emmanuel Baptist Church in Tinton Falls New Jersey where Rev. Robert J. Perkins is the Pastor.  The Roberson's dedicated 32 years of spiritual service to the Emmanuel Baptist Church family.  

While residing in NJ, Mother Roberson was the owner and operator of her own state certified home daycare program for children ages 2-14.  In addition to being responsible for the daily care/maintenance and upbringing of her own 6 children she provided day-to-day/night care for more than 100 children over a 30-year span.  She treated the additional children as if they were her very own.  Mother Roberson was fondly known in the Tinton Falls, NJ community as "Mommy Robie or Ma Robie."  Sister Roberson exposed all of the children in her care to Biblical teachings.  During the summer months she was known for packing up and going on day trips in the immediate community and at times out of state, exposing her own children and those she cared for to "new" adventures.  Mom Robie was also a den mother to several young boys participating in the Boy Scouts of America.

Sister Roberson had desired to become an Interior Decorator/Floral Arranger. Despite the fact she was unable to fulfill that dream professionally she did on a personal level.  Mother Roberson kept her home interior and exterior in immaculate condition and yes some of the furniture was covered in clear plastic.  Seasonally she changed the household drapery, table clothes, furniture covers etc., so that everything was in sync.  So in essence she was "our Interior Decorator/Floral Arranger."  Family and friends would seek her advice on interior/exterior design, and Elmira taught herself to sew.  One of her favorite stores was Joanne Fabrics.  She would visit the fabric store frequently to purchase    material to sew dresses, suits, prom gowns, table clothes and various other items.

In 1988 the Roberson's retired to Virginia Beach, VA and have been attending Piney Grove Baptist Church since relocating from NJ.  Mother Roberson served at Piney Grove in the following ministries: Christian Women, Pastor's Aide, Chairperson for Hospitality, Women' s Club, Church Anniversary, Nurses Ministry, Deaconess Ministry and volunteered to feed the homeless under the leadership of Rev. Charles A. Vinson, Dr. Todd C. Davidson and the current Pastor D. L. Williams, M.Div..

Throughout Elmira's life, she maintained a strong sense of unity with her husband, siblings, children, son and daughter in-laws, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and all those who have crossed her path.  Elmira is known as the "Peace Keeper."  Being mindful the Apostle Paul' s words to live at peace with all men if possible.

A true servant's heart, Mother Roberson faithfully cared for her parents, husband, children, siblings and numerous of other friends and family by providing various needs specific to the individual; cooking, baking, sewing and pottery making to name a few.  A woman of faith, filled with virtue, she helped shape so many people's spirituality and personal life by her tireless Christian example.

And now, from earth to Glory, Elmira Beatrice Roberson enters into rest with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, receiving the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him (James 1:12).

She leaves behind to cherish her memories:  Grandchildren: Candice Roundtree, Sheena Gittens, Tamara Marie Roberson, Keith Roberson II, Liticia Pamela-Brooke Bernard, Sharice Ashley-Shante’ Roberson, Glendon George Hadad, Philip Roberson Jr., Alyssa Goodwin, Deshan Carter, Nadine Roberson, Alex Roberson, Ray Roberson Jr., Joshua Roberson, Andrea Hatcher, Kendra Hatcher, Keitha Hatcher.  Great Grandchildren: Nacier Roundtree, Ruquan Dean, Eniah Dean, Jasira Nadine Roberson, Camden Noel Gittens, Nia Nadine-Solange Gittens, Samari Adri-lee Thigpen, Samiyah Aubrey Leilani Thigpen, Deshan Carter Jr., Serenity Carter, Zayla Carter, Zayvier Carter, Kyla Leggett, Jaliyay James, Ja’Maya Finley, and Devyn Roberson.  Special cousin Jeanette Harrison, niece Magdalene Nichols, and daughter in-law Andrea-Johnson Roberson as well as a host of other family, nieces, nephews and close friends and the exceptional church body at Piney Grove Baptist Church (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18).