Funeral services for Mrs. Joyce Petrena Roberson, age 93, of Cookeville Tn, will be held Sunday March 22, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. From the Chapel of Whitson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Cookeville City Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held Saturday evening from 5:00-8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 2:00 p.m.
Joyce Petrena Roberson was born on a cold snowy night December 15, 1932, when a midwife arrived on a Gray Mule to deliverer her in the Millcreek area on the Calfkiller River. She passed peacefully at her home with loved ones by her side on Monday, March 16, 2026.
Joyce spent her early life in Detroit Michigan, returning to Algood Tn, where she attended Algood Central High School, graduating with honors. Joyce was one of the first females to be licensed as a real estate salesperson in the early 1970's, she spent decades in the real estate and rental business, where her tenants became her friends. Aside from her hobby of managing her own business, she enjoyed traveling from Alaska throughout Europe, South America, the Caribbean and most of all her beloved cabin in the Smokeys. Joyce encouraged believing one must read, read, and read more! She had a diverse literature appetite from business, investing, health, religious, travel and her mysteries.
Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved son, David Steven Roberson, her parents Claude and Maude (Shelton) Robinson, Sisters Mary Rolheiser and Agnes Winefred Baker, Brother Edward (Buddy) Robinson. In addition, she was also preceded by the late James Clyde Roberson and her second husband William (Bill) Maffet.
She is survived by her daughter: Debra (Marshall Kenny) Norris and son: James Michael Roberson, grandchildren: Chandler (Lynzee) Norris, Ryan Roberson, Damian Roberson, and Candace Roberson,
great-grand children: Tristan, Kira, Malea, Damian, Hunner (Elyssa), Calvin, Heaven, Summer, Everly, Ryleigh and Rhealyn, great-great-grandchildren: Thea, Alice, Lilith, Legend and Oden
The family requested that memorial donations be made to the Saint Jude Children's Hospital.
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