Earl L. Roberson

Earl Lynn Roberson
June 6, 1935 - April 7, 2011
Conetoe
In the very early morning of April 7, 2011, Earl Roberson left this physical world and entered the realm of his beloved Lord and Father. At that very same moment, the many people who loved him dearly on this earth lost a great friend, mentor, benefactor and teacher. Earl Roberson was not like most men; he was a gift, not only to those who personally knew him, but to so many others who benefited from his kindness, great knowledge, silent generosity, community pride, civic involvement and love of his home County of Edgecombe.
To say Earl loved Edgecombe County is an understatement. This place, its people and its history were a part of his soul. He spent his life and time giving back to this county that produced one of the last true Southern gentlemen. He lived a life of humility, and believed in giving to others and working for the betterment of all, with no desire for recognition or personal gain. Many never knew the extent of his personal and financial contributions made to this community or the number of projects that would have never been accomplished without his great knowledge, infinite wisdom and hard work, as Earl Roberson never wanted any credit or public attention for what he did. He was purely and simply a good and kind-hearted man to his core; a man who loved his church, his untold number of friends, his county and its people.
Earl Lynn Roberson was born in Tarboro, NC on June 6, 1935, along with his twin brother, Edward Lee Roberson. He was the caring son of John Edward and Mamie Lee Bunting Roberson. He graduated from Tarboro High School in 1953, and received a BA in English from Duke University in 1957. He served in the U.S. Army Security Agency as a German Interpreter from 1957-1960.
Throughout his entire life, Earl was an educator, and had a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge with others. From 1961-1966 he taught elementary school in Indianapolis, Indiana, and in 1965 he received a Master's of Arts and Teaching degree in Elementary Education from Butler University. In 1966 he received his Elementary Principal's Certificate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
From 1966-1971, Earl was an elementary school Principal in Raleigh, NC. He returned to his native Edgecombe County in 1972 to become the Director of Literacy Programs for Edgecombe Community College, a position he held from 1972-1989.
Earl was a dedicated member of Conetoe United Methodist Church where he has served on the Board of Trustees, the Administrative Board and the Cemetery Committee. He believed strongly in active participation in civic and community organizations, and during his lifetime, he was a board member and many times an officer of the Furman-Mathewson Trust, the Edgecombe County Historical Society, the Conetoe Ruritan Club, the Edgecombe Chapter of the North Carolina Symphony and the Edgecombe County Cultural Arts Council.
His generosity significantly supported the restoration of and acquisition of items for the Blount-Bridgers House in Tarboro, North Carolina. He established Endowed Chairs in the Theater Departments of both North Carolina State University and Barton College. He also established the Ellis-Roberson Scholarship in the Fine Arts Department at East Carolina University and the Ronald G. Ellis Scholarship at Edgecombe Community College.
Earl Lynn Roberson is survived by his Partner of 43 years, Ronald (Ronnie) G. Ellis; his twin brother, Edward Lee Roberson and wife, Nancy of Athens, Georgia; his nephew, Bentley Roberson and wife, Pam, of N. Augusta, South Carolina and his niece, Lynne Roberson and husband, Michael Furguson of Seattle, Washington. Some of his very special cousins were Delores Everette, Beth Dennie, Wayne Bunting, Steve Bunting and Travis Everette.
A wake will be held at Carlisle Funeral Home in Tarboro on Friday, April 8, 2011 from 7:00-9:00pm. Graveside services will take place beside the Roberson family plot at Conetoe United Methodist Church on Hicks Street in Conetoe, North Carolina on Saturday, April 9, 2011. After the services, friends and family will be received at the Wilkinson House, Earl's beloved historic home at 1665 Burnette Farm Road.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cemetery Fund of Conetoe United Methodist Church, PO Box 128, Conetoe, NC 27819.
Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.carlislefuneralhome.com