Allen W. Roberts

Allen W. Roberts, 100, of Bedford, Va., died Sunday, April 6, 2008, at the Elks National Home, Bedford, Va. Born September 3, 1907, in New Providence, N.J., a son of the late George Roberts and Georgianna Cooper Roberts. Mr. Roberts was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and a resident of the Elks National Home. He was a graduate of Newark Normal School; earned his Master's from Rutgers University and his Specialist in Education from Rutgers University.
Mr. Roberts was devoted to his family, and was a mentor and model to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved his Lord and the church and lived a life dedicated to both. He was active in Main Street United Methodist Church through choirs, men's club, volunteering with Shepherds Table, Society of St. Andrew, Sunday School teacher and life member of the United Methodist Men's Club. Mr. Roberts spent 40 years in the field of education. He was past president and honorary member of the Summit, New Jersey Rotary Club; honorary member of two Educational Fraternities; past president and honorary member of the New Jersey Schoolmasters Club; honorary member of the New Jersey Council of Education; life member of the Association of School Administrators, and a member of the National Education Association and New Jersey Education Association. He also served on various boards in the community.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Roberts was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Ruth Evelyn Lull Roberts; a sister; and a brother. He is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Joy Roberts Davidson and her husband, Joe, of Bedford, and Phyllis Jean Roberts, of Jacksonville, Fla.; five granddaughters, Lisa D. Harvel (Calvin), Laura D. Krzeski (Charles), Jennifer D. Moelchert (Chip), Heather M. Taylor (Eddie) and Holly M. Scoates (John); one grandson, Marc MacLean; two great-granddaughters, Danielle Harvel and Ashley Krzeski; eight great-grandsons, Tyler Krzeski, Cooper, Zachary and Braden Moelchert, Alexander and David MacLean, Allen Taylor and Erik Scoates; and his special friend, Gladys Wolfe, of Bedford.
The family would like to express their profound appreciation to Dr. Buchanan, and to the caregivers and staff of the Elks Home Special Care Unit, for their loving and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Elks National Home Special Care, 931 Ashland Avenue, Bedford, Va. 24523 or Main Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 505, Bedford, Va. 24523.
A celebration of Mr. Roberts' life will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2008, at Main Street United Methodist Church with the Rev. Milton E. Marks and the Rev. Dr. Carl H. Douglass Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2008, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 540-586-3443. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.