Alvia Roberson Papara

Alvia Laverne Roberson Papara

July 1, 1944 - April 25, 2025

Alvia Laverne Roberson Papara, lovingly known as "Laverne" to those back home, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, at a hospital in Mequon, Wisconsin, after a courageous five-year battle with COPD. She was 80 years old.

Born on July 1, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri to the union of Matthew and Lucille Alva Roberson. Alvia was the first born child of twins. She graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in 1962. She worked for the Head Start program in East St. Louis IL and McDonald Douglas in St. Louis, MO before eventually moving to Milwaukee to continue her education. She completed a Bachelors and Masters degree from the University of WI-Milwaukee.

Alvia built a life centered around faith, family, and community where during that time in college met her husband. She was married to her beloved husband, Peter A. Papara, for 40 wonderful years, and together they raised three children: Gregory, Deirdre ("Dede"), and Carmine ("CJ").

Alvia is survived by her cherished siblings Ethel Shackelford, Wanda Barber, Vernon Roberson, and Jackie White. She is reunited in eternal peace with her twin brother Alvin Roberson and younger brother Kenneth Roberson. Her legacy lives on through her 10 beloved grandchildren - Robynn, Tuan, Shawnna, Timothy, Briea, Kaia, Serena, Tristan, Isabella, and Gianna - and 14 great-grandchildren, each a source of immense pride and joy.

Alvia dedicated over 20+ years of service to Milwaukee County Social Services, retiring in 2010. Her career reflected her passion for helping others and making a difference in her community. In recent years, she was an active member of her Missionary Baptist Church in Milwaukee and remained a faithful visitor to her longtime church home in East St. Louis, Mitchell Tabernacle CME during her frequent trips back.

A true lover of music, Alvia found great happiness in attending live jazz and blues performances throughout the city. Her appreciation for music, her strength, and her unwavering love for family will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew her.

Funeral arrangements and memorial service details will be shared with family and friends at a later time.