By Joseph M. Morgan
joseph@southerntorch.com
COLLINSVILLE, Ala.— Collinsville lost a beloved resident earlier this week when Mary Lorena Roberts, 96, passed away on Jan. 18. Mrs. Roberts had been a resident of Collinsville since 2009, and resided there with her daughter Gloria Morgan and her son-in-law, Rev. John E. Morgan.
Mary Roberts is survived by two sisters, Lillie Jones and Ruth Davidson. She is also survived by her son Walter Newt Roberts III and daughters Mary Willis and Gloria Morgan, as well as grandchildren Troy Willis, Jennifer Willis, John Morgan III, Mark Morgan, Matthew Morgan, Joseph Morgan and nine great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Roberts was preceded in death by her devoted husband Walter Newt Roberts, Jr., her beloved parents Joel and Floy Booth Lawrence, her sister Irene Busby, her brothers James Lawrence and Tommy Lawrence.
For as long as her health allowed, Mrs. Roberts was very active in the Collinsville community and a regular each week at Collinsville Baptist Church and at Collinsville Trade Day when the weather permitted. Although she only lived in Collinsville for 7 years, Mrs. Roberts quickly won the love of her church family at Collinsville Baptist and countless others throughout the community who adopted her as their own.
A celebration of her life will begin with a gathering of family and friends at Cole and Garrett Funeral Home in Goodlettsville, Tenn. on Jan. 22 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and will continue the following day, Saturday, Jan. 23 with a service at 10 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church. The burial and graveside ceremony will be at Spring Hill Cemetery, in Nashville, Tenn. followed by a fellowship dinner at Faith Baptist Church.
For her friends, loved ones and church family in Collinsville, a separate ceremony is being held this Sunday, Jan. 24 at 5 p.m. at Collinsville Baptist Church here in DeKalb County.
The family would like to express thanks to all who have been a part of the life of Mary Lorena Roberts and invite any who would like to attend to join them in the celebration of her 96 years of God’s faithfulness and her graduation to her eternal Home.
