Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, at Zion Hill Baptist Church for Roy Albert Roberts, 83, of Winona, who died on Monday, Jan. 17, in Grenada. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Bro. John Jacks officiated.
Roy was born on Jan. 13, 1939, in Baldwyn, the son of the late Roy Boyd and Ruth Murdock Roberts. He was a native of Union County, near the Alpine Community where Zion Hill Baptist Church is located. He became a Christian at Zion Hill as a nine-year-old boy. He was the valedictorian of his class at Cedar Hill High School, attended Northeast Mississippi Community College for two years and was an honor graduate of Mississippi State University.
Roy retired from the USDA-FMHA with more than 33 years of service. He spent the next 30 years pursuing his true interests and passions that include the church, family events, hunting, fishing, gardening and MSU events – particularly women’s basketball. He enjoyed gospel music and traveled to neighboring states many times to hear his favorite performers in concert. He was an excellent cook and appreciated and enjoyed a good steak – his favorite being from Nails in Stewart.
Roy was a proud American and had great appreciation for the men and women that have served and are serving in the various military branches. He was a member of Scotland Baptist Church where he particularly enjoyed the 8 a.m. service every fifth Sunday and the breakfast that followed. He was a former deacon, Sunday school teacher, VBS volunteer, Rotary Club member and very active in 4-H in his early years.
His parents; sister, Janie Sue Pannell, and a stillborn brother, preceded Roy in death.
Survivors include, his wife, Jerri Ray Roberts of Winona; daughters, Marlene R. Vanderlip (Kevin) of Winona and Marilyn R. Smith (Troy) of Greenwood; son, Mickey R. Roberts (Debbie) of Winona; stepdaughter, Stephanie L. Jones (Rob) of Grenada; stepson, Charles Land (Meridith) of Birmingham, Ala.; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; a niece and a nephew.
Pallbearers were Erik Vanderlip, Jay Smith, Reed Roberts, Richard Pannell, Henry Vanderlip and Gunner Wilkes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Scotland Baptist Church, the Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, Winona Christian School or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.ofhwinona.com
Oliver Funeral Home of Winona was in charge of arrangements.
