Perry-Spencer Madison | NC

Obituary For Joseph Jackson Roberts

Joseph Jackson Roberts, 79 of Ft. Myers, Florida passed Friday, May 3, 2024. The family will receive friends, Friday, May 17, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Mary D. Perry Memorial Chapel of Perry Spencer Funeral Home, 402 Short Ave. Avenue, Madison, NC. The Celebration if Life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Moyer's Family Cemetery, Stoneville, NC.

Joseph

Jackson Roberts, affectionately known as “Pumpkin”, was born August 26, 1944, in West Virginia to Ross and Mary Roberts. Joseph had nine brothers and sisters (Bethel, Annie, Christine, Theodore, Cora, Arthur, Joe Louis, Shirley Temple and Nathan) of whom he was the youngest. Mr. Ross and Mrs. Mary later embraced four more children (Robert, James, Barretta and Othella) giving Joseph younger siblings that looked up to him for guidance.

Pumpkin attended the Holiness Church in Thorpe, West Virginia. There he sat with his one suit and tie, between Momma and Daddy.

He received his education in the segregated school system of McDowell County. Reading and Math were the subjects that were stressed, but Pumpkin favored athletics, then Math, then girls. Very few could beat him in a game of football or basketball and very few young ladies could say “no” to this fine looking young man who was voted, "most likely to join the NBA and become a star.

Joseph, with his siblings relocated to New York because of the extreme prejudice in the south. He never joined the NBA, but his gift to calculate numbers never left him. In life, he used that skill to build housing units and to explore various businesses. He was a visionary with a sharp mind.

After living in New York four many years, he moved to the sunshine state with the beautiful palm trees. He retired, purchased property and became a Landlord. In Florida, he met and married Naomi Roberts, where his love for family continued. Upon Naomi's demise, he reconnected with his fiance', Viola Bell, who cared for him during his last days. He loved her deeply. Pumpkin was also especially appreciative of Arsbom, also known as “Big Man”. Joseph was a second father to Arsbom, as Arsbom was a second so to him. Big Man called him Pop. He, without selfishness, was always by Pop's side.

Pumpkin was a loving person. He loved a good time.He loved life. He loved his family and he loved good friends. He also loved to dress up in his finest and put on his Stacy Adams (no more one suit and tie). Pumpkin also loved his jewelry. And, he loved to tell stories. He could make up a story in a heartbeat and tell it with seriousness. Someone listening to it would say, “Did that really happen” and he would just laugh with that contagious laugh of his.

Pumpkin had a way with the ladies. He enjoyed “wining and dining” them. He was blessed with several beautiful children: namely Loretta, Anthony, Sherri, Tracy, Derrick, Darren, Cynthia, Yolanda, Louis and Edwina.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Naomi Roberts, his parents: Ross and Mary Roberts and his siblings: Bethel, Annie, Christine, Theodore, Cora, Arthur, Joe Louis, Shirley Temple and Nathan.

God called Joseph home to rest on May 3, 2024. He fought a good fight.

He will be lovingly remembered by: Agnes Mae of Brooklyn, NY, Valarie of Brooklyn, NY, Viola of Sarasota, FL, Loretta (Michael) of Long Island, (Phoebe) Anthony (Brandy) of Florida. Sherri of Brooklyn, NY, Tracy of Bronx, NY, Robert of Ohio, Barretta of Queens, NY, Othella of Brooklyn, NY and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Guest Book

Daddy you will be missed and forever remain in my heart. The love of a father for his daughter was always shown and given. Love you always, Loretta

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To the family. So sorry for the loss of Joe(aka)punkin. He will be long remembered. From the Moyer family

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You were a giant man in my life, your presence was undeniable when you entered any room, all knew that the champ has arrived, I will forever miss that entrance and the tall tales you entertained us with, safe travels as you join the loved one's passed on RIP Big Brother Uncle Pumpkin Love Othella

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This is a tribute to a wonderful man and Jack of all trades. We will miss your phone calls and visits and our trip to Florida many years ago. RIP Punkin. From Buddy Ro and Norma Purcell.

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Uncle, I remember sharing a pleasant meal (fish) with you in my mother in laws' living room. I remember fish was your favorite food. Sharay Roberts

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Uncle Pumpkin, I remember you as a jack of all trades. You came to our house, put up a wall and a door and created a room for me. My mother added the furniture and the a.c., and I was set. You changed a one bedroom into a two bedroom apartment. You would always say" Come over here, young fella." And, I came to the giant of a man. Nathanial Roberts

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Pumpkin you had all of the characteristics that a big brother should have. You always made me feel loved and safe. I knew I could count on you. Sometimes with unconventional methods, but always with my well being in mind. You know you will be missed. Now you can join the rest of my angels. Barretta

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To the family. We loved Joseph dearly and sorry for the loss. From the Purcell family.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Perry-Spencer Madison | NC