Roberta Shoates, age 75, went home to be with the Lord on December 21, 2020, after a short illness. She was born in Akron, Ohio on December 3, 1945.
She graduated from South High School in 1963. She worked briefly as a dental assistant. She later met Robert Shoates, and they were married in 1965, a marriage that lasted for 55 years. From this union two sons were born, Peter and Dexter. Thereafter, she joined the Mt. Zion Baptist Church and became a deaconess, serving faithfully until her death. Roberta was loved by her family and friends, and she will be greatly missed.
Roberta (Bert) was preceded in death by her father, Sterling Shephard; mother, Susie Shephard; brothers, Freddie Shephard, and Lee Andrew Shephard; sisters, Ethel Shephard, and Betty McNab; brother-in-law, Rev. Dr. George McNab.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Robert Shoates; sons, Peter (Karlett) Shoates, and Dexter Shoates; brother, Deacon Sterling (Sondra) Shephard, Jr.; special friend, Patricia “Pat” Moore; and a host of grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.