Elder Willie James Roberts

Obituary For Elder Willie James Roberts

With hearts full of love and remembrance, we celebrate the life of Elder Willie James Roberts, a beloved Man of God, husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, who entered eternity on May 3, 2025. As a man of great faith and tremendous integrity, Elder Roberts shared his strength, warmth, and boundless generosity to all who knew him. His enduring legacy will continue to resonate through in the countless lives he touched with his generous gifts of kindness, humor, and resilience.

Elder Roberts was born on April 27, 1943, in Bayboro, South Carolina, to the union of late Rev. Sylvester Roberts and Dottie Johnson-Roberts. After the untimely passing of his wife, Rev. Sylvester remarried Merttie Roberts. Together they reared Elder Roberts along with his siblings.

Elder Roberts attended the historic Whittmore School System in Conway, South Carolina. As a young man, he worked daily on the farm until relocating to New Jersey at the age of 18 with his cousin to drive trucks transporting cargo. Elder Roberts eventually established his roots in 1965, moving to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He was employed at GATX, a fabrication company in Masury, OH as a welder on tank cars. He shared his skills as a handyman throughout the Farrell community and was a reliable source of transportation for many living in the Shenango Valley area.

Elder Roberts married the former Pauline Chamber, the love of his life, on November 19, 1966. Approaching sixty years of matrimony, they were blessed to be united as partners in marriage and ministry.

The foundation and formation of Elder Roberts’ faith began at an early age. He was ordained a deacon at Valley Baptist Church as the youngest deacon in the under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. Anderson T. Tatum. As he accepted his calling into ministry, Elder Roberts was ordained by Bishop James Miles Foster and the late Superintendent Wilbert Hadden in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Under the leadership of Superintendent Hadden, he served honorably in the ministry assignments as the Assistant Pastor and Assistant Sunday School Superintendent. In 2009 after the passing of the Superintendent Haden, Elder Roberts was appointed to serve as the pastor of Greater Mount Zion Church of God in Christ. After shepherding faithfully, Elder Roberts retired from his pastoral role in 2011 and was recognized as the pastor emeritus. He was succeeded by Superintendent Tyrone T. Steals who formally appointed him to the office of Senior Elder.

Elder Roberts entrusts precious memories & moments with his bride Evangelist Pauline and their son Shawn Duane Roberts and daughter Raquel Yvette Roberts. His legacy will remain vibrant in the lives of his granddaughters Lashawn (Jalen) Roberts-Marrow and Shavonne Roberts. He remains deeply cherished by his sisters Lillie Mae (Ellis) Howard and Loris Dixon.

The mantle of faith has been firmly placed upon the shoulders of his great grandchildren, Trenity, Kenadie, Cassidy, Cash, True, Juream, and King, along with his great-great grandchildren Omir & Orielle and a score of nieces, nephews and godchildren.

As his faith became sight, Elder Roberts was accompanied to the ancestral table by his parents, brothers Paul Roberts, Benjamin Franklin Roberts, Sr., Howard Roberts, Charlie Roberts, Rev. Richard Roberts; sister Evelynne Roberts-Owens; nephews, Benjamin Franklin Roberts, Jr., Donald Frieson and Ronald Frieson; and niece Anne Davis, all who welcomed him upon arrival.

Elder Willie James Roberts was a guiding light whose kindness, humor, and dedication created a beautiful legacy. Though he has left this world, his spirit remains with us—forever in our hearts, guiding and inspiring us in all we do. In honor of Elder Willie’s remarkable journey and the invaluable impact he had in the lives of many within the community, a public viewing & family visitation will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 12, 2025, in the sacred space of Greater Mount Zion Church of God in Christ, 1825 Roemer Blvd, Farrell, PA. The Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 PM with Superintendent Tyrone T. Steals officiating.

After a committal ceremony, Elder Willie will be laid to rest at Morefield Cemetery until the final trumpet of God has resounded. As we celebrate a life well-lived, let us hold fast to the joy he brought into our lives. Elder Roberts will be dearly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us to live with love, grace, and a spirit of community.

At this most intimate time, the beloved family of Elder Willie James Roberts elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and Professional After Care Arrangements with J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 1059 Hamilton Ave, Farrell PA, 16121 Phone (724) 983-1523

A Pastor’s Legacy
A pastor’s life is not measured in years,
But in the hearts he touched and the souls he saved.
You leave behind a legacy of love and hope,
And we will always remember the difference you made.