Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Select your format and elements to print
John J.
Roberts
d. May 24, 2025
John Junior Roberts, affectionately known as June, was born on July 24, 1947, in Northampton County, North Carolina, and lived a remarkable 77 years of life. He was the third child born to the late William Henry Roberts and Ruth Elizabeth High Roberts. His educational journey began in the Greensville County Public School System in Emporia, Virginia.
During his early years, June worked alongside his parents as a sharecropper. Around the age of 17, he informed his father that he would no longer be farming, an act of independence that ultimately freed his younger siblings from that life as well. A true trailblazer, John began working at Easy Pay Furniture Store, where he delivered and stocked furniture.
He later ventured to Newport News, Virginia, with his cousins and secured a welding position at Huntington Ingalls Industries, formerly Newport News Shipyard. Over time, he became a sheet metal worker, and sailmaker. He proudly retired from the shipyard after 49 years of service. He also worked in the janitorial industry.
John accepted Christ at an early age and joined Macedonia Baptist Church in Emporia, Virginia. He later became a faithful member of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple in Hampton, Virginia on December 27, 1998, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Jerome A. BarberOn September 13, 1969, John married the love of his life, Mary Francie Jackson. Their love was so profound that they married twice in the same day, once in Emporia, Virginia, and again in Henrico, North Carolina. Their marriage stood the test of time for nearly 56 years. From their union, they welcomed one daughter, Keisha Lashan Roberts.
John had many interests. He loved spending quality time with his family and welcomed a good conversation. He enjoyed attending sporting events, especially basketball. John enjoyed fishing, detailing his cars and trucks, and took great pride in his landscaping. His yard was often awarded "Yard of the Month" in his neighborhood.
A man of style and grace, John had a love for fashion and shopping. He took joy in life's simple pleasures, fresh haircuts, clean shaves, manicures, and pedicures were all musts.
On May 24, 2025, John peacefully transitioned to glory, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Henry and Ruth Roberts; and brothers-in-love, Jefferson Jackson, John Frazier Jackson, Charles Jackson, James Jackson, and Russell Moody.
John is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Mary Francie; his cherished daughter, Keisha; his beloved grandchildren, Rahsaan M. Roberts and Raina M. Inge; six sisters: Geneva Hicks (Freddie), Clara Dickens (Calvin), Pearl Eaton (Calvin), Airminter Moody, Rosa Roberts, and Ruth Roberts; two brothers: George Roberts and Rufus Roberts (Elizabeth); three aunts: Hattie Sue Gooden, Liza High, and Carolyn High; sisters-in-love: Aline Jackson, Ethel Jackson, Bernice Clayton, and Connie Clayton; brothers-in-love: Carl Jackson, Larry Clayton, and Tony Clayton; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Viewing will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 6, 2025 at Sixth Mt. Zion Baptist Temple, 3100 Butternut Drive, Hampton, Va. Entombment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.
Thursday
Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
Sixth Mt. Zion Baptist Temple
Starts at 11:00 am
Visits: 280
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors