Calvin Roberts

Obituary For Calvin Roberts

Services for Mr. Calvin Roberts, 99, were held at New Haven Memorial Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The service was officiated by Rev. Elise A. Barnes. Burial followed at New Hope Cemetery DeKalb, MS.

Calvin Curtis Roberts, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and family patriarch, passed away at the remarkable age of 99. Born on April 6, 1925, in Kemper County, Mississippi, he was the oldest son of Henry Horace Roberts and Mary (Anderson) Roberts. Curtis grew up with four brothers and four sisters, working the land on the family farm. As a young boy, he shared a special bond with his grandmother, Ella Anderson, whose wisdom and nurturing spirit left a lasting impact on him. Curtis often spoke of the many walks and talks he shared with her, which helped guide him throughout his life. Her vibrant flower garden, a testament to her magical green thumb, was admired by many in the community. It was these early lessons from Ella, along with the love and guidance of his mother and wife, Mamie Dell, that shaped Curtis into the man he became. Curtis served proudly in the U.S. Army during World War II, and it was during a meritorious 6 day furlough granted for saving the life of the unit’s Greek Lieutenant during a line fire exercise in 1944, he married the love of his life, Mamie Dell Watkins. They were wed by his grandfather, Tom Anderson, on August 14, 1944. Throughout his military service in Japan and South Korea, Curtis sent his pay home to support his young wife and loving mother. After the war, he and Mamie used their savings to start a new life in Flint, Michigan. Curtis soon found work at the Chevrolet plant, where he dedicated over 30 years of service before retiring in 1976. He was a proud member of UAW Local #659, which he helped establish in 1946. Even after retiring, Curtis continued to work as a painter and handyman in the Flint area. His love for the outdoors was evident in his hobbies, which included fishing, both on lakes and through the ice, and hunting throughout Michigan. He also had a passion for gardening, growing an array of beautiful colorful flowers and vegetables. Curtis was known for his outdoor fish fries, where his fried fish became a staple at family gatherings, picnics, and church events. His hands were always busy creating something, whether it was building planter boxes, outdoor swings, crafting personalized walking sticks, or designing miniature versions of old Mississippi houses. Curtis even made dollhouses for each of his granddaughters, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and love for his family. Curtis was not just a skilled craftsman; he was a historian of his own family. He took great pride in documenting the history of the Roberts family, becoming the “griot” who could recall people, places, and events with remarkable clarity. His home became a museum of sorts, filled with his folk art and treasured family memories. Throughout his life, Curtis showed his deep love for his family, especially his children: Calvin LaMyatt, Travis Bernard, and Bertina Jean. He shared his passion for hunting and fishing with his children, while Mamie instilled in them the importance of education. Curtis' beloved wife, Mamie, passed away on March 26, 2002, and their love story remains a cherished memory in the hearts of their family. Curtis was also a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather. He leaves behind six grandchildren: Calvin “Cal” LaMyatt Jr., Trina “Baby Girl” Nicole, Travis “Baby Travis” Bernard Jr., Trenais “Pretty Baby” Marie, Darrell “Bruh Bruh” Johnson Jr., and Tinesha Donyale “Sweetie Baby” Johnson, as well as three great-grandchildren: Cairo Norberto “Big Baby” Roberts, Isabella “Little Angel” Johnson, and Aiden “Baby Boy” Johnson. He cherished each of them deeply, and his legacy lives on in the love and memories they carry with them. Curtis is survived by his daughter and two sons, Calvin, Travis, and Bertina, their spouses, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Calvin Roberts, Sr. and Beverly (Brown) Roberts, of Northville, MI, have two children, Calvin LaMyatt Roberts, Jr., and Trina Nicole (Roberts) Langtiw. Calvin Roberts, Jr. and Bianetty Norberto, of Nagua, Dominican Republic, welcomed their son, Cairo Norberto Roberts. Trina (Roberts) Langtiw and her husband Ronald Langtiw, of Chicago, IL, share two children, Ian Langtiw and Jackson Langtiw. Travis and Charlotte (Lombard) Roberts of Los Angeles, CA, are parents to two children: Travis Jr. and Trenais Marie. Bertina (Roberts) Johnson and her husband Darrell Johnson Sr., of Flint, MI, have two children: Darrell Johnson, Jr. and Tinesha (Johnson) Donyale. Darrell Johnson, Jr. and his wife Maisha Johnson, of Los Angeles, CA, are the proud parents of Isabella Johnson. Tinesha Johnson of Flint, MI, has one son, Aiden Johnson. The Roberts family, alongside their many relatives, will continue to cherish and honor the memories of Calvin Curtis Roberts and Mamie Roberts. They leave behind a legacy of love and unity that will remain in the hearts of all who knew them. Curtis also leaves behind two brothers, one sister-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever hold his memory in their hearts. Curtis' life was one of devotion to family, a love for nature, and a deep sense of history. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the lives of those he loved so dearly.
“ May the work I have done, speak for me.”

Final Disposition: New Hope Church Cemetery DeKalb, MS.