BOBBY JOE ROBERSON

                                                             Bobby Joe (Rooster) Roberson

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Bobby Joe Roberson was born December 28, 1951 to Appalis Baylor and Joseph Roberson in Shreveport, Louisiana.  At the death of his parents, he was raised by his loving aunt and uncle Floyd and Sally (Big) Blow. He attended Eden Garden schools until March 1970, where he served as the class president and student advisor. After integration of schools, Bobby was transferred to Captain Shreve High School where he received his diploma in 1970.  He gained notoriety for leading a protest march in downtown Shreveport because of the closing of Eden Garden and forced transfer to a new school where he and his classmates from Eden Garden were not welcomed. After high school, Bobby left to attend college at Mississippi Valley State University where he was heavily involved in a variety of activities and groups. Bobby was part of the notorious drum line of the MVSU Marching Band. Bobby started his journey in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. with his initiation on December 10, 1971, through Beta Theta Undergraduate Chapter at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU), 7th District, Itta Bena MS. He demonstrated outstanding leadership ability as a band scholarship recipient, through his student engagement as Student Union Board President, and a member of the Student Government Association. While attending college, he met and married his college sweetheart Betty Oliver. God allowed them to know and learn of each other for 53 years. 47 years of devoted life together. This 52-year Omega Life Member and Bridge Builder has been dedicated to social change and civic engagement through a labor of love in his community. He demonstrated direct involvement in all fraternity-mandated programs including Fatherhood and Mentoring, Voter Registration, Education, and Mobilization resulting in his selection as Mu Mu Nu Chapter Omega Man of the Year 2020-2021.

After college Bobby became a resident in Houston and worked in management roles for well-known companies such as Burger King, Kroger, FedEx, and Firestone; with the latter being the biggest career move of his life. He achieved great success with Firestone, as his store set records and he became one of the first black Firestone Managing Partners. Bobby would retire from Firestone in January 2015.

Bobby was also a leader in his community who held the positions of Kings Lake Forest subdivision’s HOA President, MUD 148 Water Board President, and a Deacon of WWBC, along with responsibilities in the church’s finance department.

Bobby grew to love and learn of God at an early age and was baptized. Early in his Houston residency, Bobby and his family attended Greater New Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Paul Jones. Bobby later found his church home at Willing Workers Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor James C. Carrington, Jr. At WWBC Bobby would grow to worship and serve in the church in a greater capacity than ever before.

Bobby is survived by a devoted wife: Betty Roberson. Children: Brensen Roberson, Duanyetta Oliver, and Dutchess Oliver. Cousin: Aundrea Scales. Grandchildren: Jacoby, Jahlen, Jakira, Jabria and Janesia. Great-Grandchildren: Jaiyah, Jahlen Jr., Jamerson, Messiah, and Taylen. Brothers: Walter James Roberson and Donnie Baylor. Sister: Shirley Roberson. Nieces: Dionne Roberson Murray and Sheneka Baylor. Best Friends: Ron and Rebecca Taylor, along with John and Marie Cooper.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord:   And He delighteth in his way.”

                                                  PSALM 4:7