“Joe” was a loving, giving, and compassionate family man who left a lasting impression on anyone with whom he came into contact. He did not know what ‘enough’ was when it came to helping people, especially anyone who was down and out.” These are the words used affectionately by his wife, Valerie, that best describe him. At age 73, Joe who went home to be with the Lord on November 28, 2024. Born to Amos and Carrina Stanley Roberts on August 16, 1951, in Lenoir, North Carolina, where he grew up; he began his Christian journey at an early age. Joe was one of the couple’s seven children, three boys and four girls. Joseph was educated in the Pitt County Public Schools. He attended Grifton Elementary School and graduated from South Ayden High School in 1969.

In 1971, at the age of 20, Joe decided to venture out and moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was there that he was employed in the Pharmacy Department of Presbyterian Hospital for 18 years and worked 6 years as a Security Officer at Overbrook High School. It was during this time that Joe Roberts began his eternal love for and devotion to the Philadelphia Eagles. If ever there was a “forever Eagles fan,” Joe Cecil Roberts was it. He adored his team and faithfully watched all games until the day he died. In addition to his love for the Eagles, this man of many talents, included singing and performing with the Philadelphia’s Ebony Opera Company. In addition, Joe played on the Presbyterian Hospital’s Basketball Team and was an active member of the National Association of Women’s Anthropos in Philadelphia. He also enjoyed music, watching game shows, playing the daily lottery and Pokeno. He loved to dance and often, before his death, credited himself with teaching Valerie how to do the Bop. It was also during his Philadelphia days that Joseph Roberts continued his Christian journey as he began as a child worshipping at Grifton Chapel Church of Christ family church. He became a faithful member of Mount Olivet Tabernacle Baptist Church.

In 1984, Joe met the woman who later became, in his words, his “ray of sunshine,” Valerie Denise Haynie. They fell in love and began their 39 years of blissful marriage on June 22, 1985. Two years later, in 1987, their marriage was blessed with their daughter, whom they named Sheena Denise. In June of 2000, Joe, Valerie, and Sheena moved to Louisa County, Virginia, where they began a new life and shared many joyous occasions with new friends. Joe became an Instructional Assistant at Louisa High School for one year. For 18 years, he was employed as an officer with the Fluvanna Correctional Facility for Women, retiring on November 1, 2017. The family joined Bright Hope Baptist Church in Louisa and became active and faithful members. Joe loved his church and had a strong belief in God. Until his health began to fail, he served in several capacities. He was an usher and sang on the Men’s Choir. He particularly enjoyed “Operation Turkey Trot,” the ministry that he and Valerie founded as members of Bright Hope. For 12 years on Thanksgiving morning, this ministry would deliver over 200 hot meals to area residents.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents; three sisters: Sara Rice (Fleming), Earlene Henderson (Horace) and Emma Roberts (Fred); and two brothers: Levonne and Amos Roberts.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted wife, Valerie; sister, Barbara Montford (Darvene); three children: Cheri Reid (Robert), Joseph Jackson (Kelsey) Sheena Roberts; five grandchildren: Rahim Roberts, Nasir Reid, Brandon Jimmerson, Brayden Jackson, Landon Jackson; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of loving family members and dear friends.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit JF Bell Funeral Home.