In Loving Memory of Deacon Lawrence Roberts Sr.

April 19, 1942 — July 14, 2026

Deacon Lawrence Roberts Sr., affectionately known as “Tat,” was born on April 19, 1942, in Vaiden, Mississippi to Antha Roberts (Woods) and John L. Roberts. He departed this life peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Deacon Lawrence was raised in Vaiden, Mississippi, where he began his education in the Vaiden Public Schools. Even as a young man, he dedicated himself to helping at home and caring for his family’s needs — a spirit of devotion that would define him the rest of his life.

A Devoted Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle and Friend

Deacon Lawrence was the beloved husband of Vera Roberts. This past June, they celebrated 61 years of marriage — a union built on love, faith, and unwavering commitment.

He was devoted father to Sandra, Lawrence Jr., Sierra, and Larnell, and a proud grandfather to Shardey, Don, Diamond, Alexis, Kaitlynne, Tashay, Tavion, Tatiana, Dominic, Santir, Larnell Jr., and Jrue. He was also a cherished great-grandfather to Mario, Clarity, Angel, Heaven, LJ, Legend, Brenden, Trenten, Raylen, Cameron, Michael, Aubrei, Audrei, Milo and Milan.

Some of his fondest memories were of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at play. His grands were the joy to his soul. He loved his entire family deeply and had a wonderful time with his nieces and nephews, and even when he could not see them, he always asked about them, and they would eventually pop up at the house or call. He had an exceptionally special love for his siblings and talked about the old days quite often.   He took immense pride in everyone’s accomplishments and the goals they achieved.

A Life of Hard Work

Deacon Lawrence took extraordinary pride in caring for his family and helping others. He believed in leading by example, showing his children that hard work always pays off in the end. Over the years he held various jobs, including working with The Plain Dealer and the Lander Haven Golf course, before/while settling into his longtime career at Ferro Corporation, where he worked from 1968 until his retirement in 2008.

He also stayed active tending to the church lawn and helping neighbors care for their yards. A skilled and enthusiastic fisherman, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life.

As a father, he was tireless, giving, honest, loving, and forgiving. Though often a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes to all who knew him. He made sure his family’s every need and wants were met — and up until the day of his departure, he took care of his wife and tended to all her needs. Even in pain he kept his smile.

A Faithful Servant

Deacon Lawrence was saved at an early age under the leadership of Bishop Robbins. He later became a faithful member of the United Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, Cleveland, Ohio, under Bishop James Hailey Sr., where he served devotedly until his passing.

He will always be remembered as a silent giver who loved everyone he encountered. His capacity to give selflessly and love unconditionally is a legacy that will never be forgotten. Though his earthly journey has ended, his spirit lives on through the family he loved and the church he served.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — II Timothy 4:7

Cherished Memories

Deacon Lawrence was preceded in death by his mother, Antha Roberts (Woods); his father, John L. Roberts; his stepmother, Minnie Roberts; his brothers, Clarence Roberts, James Roberts, and Clyde T. Roberts; and his sisters, Donna Woods, Lue Woods, and Patricia A. Cox.

He leaves to cherish his memory:

• His loving wife of 61 years, Vera Roberts
• His children: Sandra “San” Nelson (Clarence), Lawrence Roberts Jr. (Maxine), Sierra “Cee” Roberts, and Larnell “Sammy” Roberts (Jabree)
• His brother, Gilbert “Toosie” Roberts (Juanita), John Frank Pittman
• His sisters, Joyce Collins (Thomas) and Lucille McCaskill
• A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends

Deacon Lawrence Roberts lived a life that reflected faith, perseverance, and love. He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, faithful servant, wonderful fisherman, and cherished friend.