Obituary
Guest Book
Long-time St. Simons Island resident Joanne Joyce Roberts died May 16 at Southeast Georgia Health System hospital in Brunswick, GA, after a fall at home. She was the wife of James M. Roberts.
Mrs. Roberts (and her husband) was a very active member of United Methodist Church at Frederica. She also served several years as a docent at Fort Frederica, focusing on the herb gardens.
Gardening, especially wild flowers, was a life-long passion. Years ago, she could often be spotted digging up wild flowers at building sites ahead of the bulldozers, to be carefully replanted elsewhere.
She and her husband raised seven daughters: Deborah, Amy, Anne, Jennifer, Martha, Laura and Sarah. She is preceded in death by Laura and Sarah.
For in Lake Forest, IL, April 4, 1927 to Eunice and Alfonse Joyce, Mrs. Roberts lived much of her life in that area. She was a graduate of Lawrence University in Appleton, WI.
In her professional career, she served as personal assistant to the editor of a publishing company, grant writer for the Portland Cement Association, where she obtained support and funding for early prison work-release programs, and head of professional recruitment for Abbott Laboratories. In her last professional assignment at Abbott, she traveled throughout Europe and North America conducting week-long management training seminars.
She also maintained an active interest and participation in Republican politics.
In retirement, she and her husband built a home on St. Simons Island and continued to spend summers at a second home in Sturgeon Bay, WI. A popular and talented hostess, her homes were often filled with laughter and friends.
Mrs. Roberts will be greatly missed by friends and family, including her beloved granddaughter Betsy and grandson Virgil.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 20, at UMC at Frederica, the Reverend Wright Culpepper officiating. There will be a reception from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m., services at 4.
A second service will be held at Bay Side Cemetery, Sturgeon Bay, WI, in July, where her remains will be interred.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 22, 2014
Rita & Brian Staudenraus
Anne Lampert and Family, So Sorry for your Loss.
May 22, 2014
Susan Whitfield
Jim, Tom and I are so sorry to hear about Joanne! We are now living in Bedford, PA taking care of Tom's father so we were not able to attend her services and express our condolences in person. May God's love, peace and grace be with you and your children! Love you!!
Susan Whitfield
May 21, 2014
Greg Borchert
Joanne was an unusual woman, and I too am thankful for her life. I lived with her and Jim and a bunch of daughters for several months in 1970. She welcomed me, at the time daughter Deb's boyfriend, into her busy home. Joanne was a balanced, insightful, generous and purposeful person. I know she will be greatly missed by all who knew and lived her. V
May 21, 2014
Amy Sheffield
I am so sorry for the pain of your loss. I did not know her but I know Marti. Based on that, I can tell she must have been a wise, loving, supportive and creative lady.
May 20, 2014
Hope Weis
Dear Roberts & Lampert family I wish you much peace and comfort in the wonderful memories you have to cherish. Warmly, Hope (Wasserman)
May 20, 2014
Thinking about the wonderful life of the beautiful mother of my dear friend, Marti. Keep her in line please! You know how much she misses and loves you!
May 20, 2014
Mike Serpe
Surely a life well lived. My sympathy to all she left behind but how lucky you all were to have had her in your lives.
May 20, 2014
Korky Waites
She was such a very special lady. I was blessed to know her and receive her wise council. Many blessings of peace to Jim and the whole family.
May 20, 2014
Lise Krieger
I'm so sorry for you, Marti, and your family. Such a hard loss. She will still fill your days.
May 20, 2014
stephen wolter
Many times as I visited the Beach House on Bay Shore Dr. I would hear classical music filtering through the house.
Jo created I little Shangri la there and always made you feel welcome.
May 19, 2014
Sallie Gordon
We all have only one Mom...she lives on in you & your art & you will always find her there.
May 19, 2014
Jen Warner
As Sara said, to have raised a star like Marti, you must have been a thoughtful, intelligent, kind, talented and loving woman. Thank you for sharing Marti with us.
May 19, 2014
Gary Justis
I never met your mother Marti, but I am sure having raised an extraordinary woman like you, she must have been amazing...so sorry you have lost her...
May 19, 2014
Sara Ferguson
While I didn't personally know her, she must have been wonderful to have nurtured such a creative and positive person like Marti. Wishing you comfort and peace.
May 19, 2014
Lindy Huber
Love and condolences to the entire family. I never got to meet Joanne, but since I know her daughter Marti so well, I know she must have been very special.
May 19, 2014
Ryan and Vanessa Ozanick
Our deepest condolences Marti. If you are anything like your mom I know she brought a smile to peoples faces just knowing she was there.
May 19, 2014
Marti McGinnis
I'm so glad to have been raised and championed by you, mom. This candle celebrates your showing me how to love. Thank you. <3
May 19, 2014
Marti McGinnis
May 19, 2014
Laurie (Simeone) Berman
My sincerest wishes for peace and comfort to all of the family. Joanne was a lovely person who always made me feel welcome and like part of the family. May her memory be for a blessing.
May 19, 2014
Marti McGinnis
May 19, 2014
Alan Akridge
Just a note of prayerful thanksgiving for her life and ministry. Jim, I didn't get to know Joanne but because I have gotten to know you, I bet she was a titan of faith, charity, and compassion. You are in our prayers.
May 18, 2014
Jim
Connie and I will miss Joanne much, but we still will be here for you. Please let us help in anyway possible.
Love
Connie and Woody Shelnutt
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