John Wise Roberts Jr.

On December 3, 1930, John Wise Roberts Jr. was born in Williamsburg, Virginia.  He was the second of seven children born to the late Redell and John W. Roberts Sr.

John accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Little Zion Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. In 1947, at the age of 17, he graduated early from Bruton Heights School in Williamsburg, Virginia. At the age of 18, he proudly volunteered to serve in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, where he became a tank commander with the 7th Cavalry.

Following his honorable discharge, John went to work at The Williamsburg Lodge. It was here he met the love of his life, Alice Rebecca Givens. He later began a distinguished career in civil service as a foreman at Cheatham Annex alongside the United States Navy, where he faithfully served until his retirement in 1986. Following his retirement from civil service, John embraced a new chapter in life. He worked as an assistant manager at the Aberdeen Barn and discovered a lifelong passion for golf, a hobby that brought him great joy and lasting friendships.

On June 1, 1955, John and Alice were united in Holy Matrimony. Together, they shared seventy-one years of unconditional love, devotion, faith, and God's grace, whether dancing the night away at The Inn, The Lodge, or Log Cabin Beach, or simply enjoying everyday moments together, their love remained constant and enduring.

Their union was blessed with three children, Lochinvar Vanhoy, Felton Dion, and Tara Eileen, building a home rooted in faith, love, and family. Together, they created countless cherished memories through annual family vacations and the simple joy of being together.

In 1994, the arrival of his first granddaughter, ReDell Olivette, named in honor of his beloved mother, blessed him with the cherished title of "Papa." Three years later, in 1997, his second granddaughter, ReShawna Alexis, was born, completing the family of grandchildren he adored. He cherished every moment with his granddaughters, from cooking breakfast and driving them to school to creating lifelong memories on family vacations.

Later in life, John joined hands in fellowship with St. John Baptist Church, where he continued to grow in his faith. Though he was a man of few words, his life spoke volumes. His quiet strength, unwavering faith, and steadfast commitment to God's Word were evident in the way he lived each day. Even in his final days, he could be found studying his Bible, leaving behind a legacy of humble faith and complete trust in the Lord.

To his family, he was many things: a devoted husband, a loving father, a doting grandfather, brother, and friend. Above all, a faithful servant of God, a veteran, a mentor, and a friend. But of all the titles he carried throughout his life, his favorite was simply "Papa."

On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 11:37 a.m., with his beloved "Doll," Alice, faithfully by his side, John W. Roberts Jr. peacefully entered eternal rest. In his final earthly act of love, he wrapped his arms around his beloved "Doll," holding her close as he peacefully went home to be with the Lord.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Redell and John W. Roberts Sr.; his beloved son, Lochinvar Vanhoy Roberts; and his siblings, Edna Beatrice Roberts, Elmer Roosevelt Roberts Sr., and Calvin Lee Roberts.

John leaves to cherish his precious memory with his devoted wife of seventy-one years, Alice G. Roberts; his son, Felton Roberts; his daughter, Tara Atkinson; his granddaughters, ReDell Tyler (Elden) and ReShawna Atkinson (Jordan); his sisters, Jacquelyn Gardner (Dennis) and Gloria "Delphine" Driver; his brother, Morris Roberts Sr. (Betsy); his brother-in-law, David Givens (Sylvia); his sisters-in-law, Betty Dumangane, Agnes Harris, Shirley Yost, Barbara Givens, and Zelda Givens; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Though our hearts are heavy with his absence, we find comfort in knowing that his life was a testament to unwavering faith, enduring love, and humble service. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him, and the memories he leaves behind will be treasured for generations to come.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at St. John Baptist Church.  Interment with military honors to follow in the church cemetery.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, VA 23185. 757-229-3011 www.whitingsfuneralhome.com

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