Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
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Willie Lee "Bill" Roberts, 87, of Sandusky
On May 15, 1928, the sun rose when a child named Willie Lee Roberts was born in Shubuta, MS. to the proud parents of Timothy and Annie Roberts. On Monday, February 8, 2016 the sun set at 12:30 P.M. in the Meadows of Osborn Park when Bro. Willie went home to be with the Lord.
Bro. Willie accepted the Lord as his personal Savior at a very early age when he united with Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Shubuta, MS. After moving to Sandusky, he joined New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Sandusky, Ohio under the leadership of Pastor Fred Tucker. He also served under the leadership of Emeritus Eddy Henry and current Pastor Curtis L. Johnson, Jr. While being a member of the church he served on the Usher Board Ministry. He loved singing and became a member of the S. P. Ray Quartet. He did not graduate from school because he had to quit school to help take care of his siblings. But, still he could quote the Bible scriptures and he was a great builder with his hands. He built his home and helped with the building of other homes on east Parish St. He also helped build the addition on to his son, Willie Ray's house on Second St.
He married Lucille McGill at a very early age and to that union they had four children: sons, Homer McGill, Willie Ray, David Lee, and a daughter, Margaret Jean Cacho.
Bro. Roberts started the International Masonry in Sandusky, OH. and formed New St. John Lodge #192 in 1978. While serving in the Masonry he served in different positions but his main position was being the Chaplain, because he loved to pray. He attended all meetings and conventions until he became ill and could no longer attend. Willie was a gardener who loved to grow vegetables in which he got so much enjoyment by giving them to others. You don't have to be the best. Just be better than you use to be.
Bro. Roberts worked at Farrell Cheeks for 34 years until the plant closed up. While working there he worked in many different positions and many long hours to take care of his family.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his son, Willie Ray (Beverly) Roberts, Sandusky, OH, and Margaret Jean (Andreas) Cacho, Gulfport, MS, a very special daughter, Aretha (Alonzo) Brown that they raised from a very early age. He and Lucille also raised Crystal (Crissy) Howze, who lived and took care of them until Lucille's demise and Bro. Willie went into the nursing home, brother, Cecil (Gail) Roberts, Sandusky, OH, sisters: Shirley Warner, Mosspoint, MS and Vermell Keys, Columbus, OH. He also left daughters-in-law, Gail Tate, Cleveland, OH., Joyce McGill, Lima, OH, and Cheryl (Chuckie) Roberts, Detroit, MI, 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchildren a goddaughter, Tameeka Galloway in Woodbridge, VA. and her 3 children, many nieces, nephews, special nephew, Ernest (Mug) Ferrell and friend Charles Holiday.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lucille Roberts, sons, Homer McGill and David Lee Roberts, a granddaughter, Felicia and a great-grandson, Johnny Smith, Jr. 15 siblings and a very dear friend, Lillie Mae Simpson whose Home Going services were going on, when he passed.
Friends may call on Monday, February 15, 2016, from 10 A.M. until time of his Homegoing Services at 12 P.M. in New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1920 Eddie Henry Way, Sandusky. Rev. Curtis L. Johnson, Jr. will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.
Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling the arrangements.
Condolences and gifts of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting toftfh.com.
