Melissa Roberts Booklet

August 25, 1976 - January 15, 2021 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Melissa ReNee Roberts was called home by the Lord on Friday, January 15, 2021 at the age of 44 years. She was born on August 25, 1976 in Joliet, Illinois. She graduated from Joliet Central Class of 1994. She also attended Joliet Junior College for Culinary Arts. She was employed by Silver Cross Hospital. She was serving Christ at Saving Power Community Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Eddie L. Pierce in the change of hands, Perfecting Worship Center, serving under the leadership of Elder Tyrone Hinton, Sr. until her call.

Melissa loved the Lord, gospel music, very spiritual daughter of the most high. She loved sunflowers and also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Willie Lee Garner, Jr.; maternal grandparents, Kenneth L. Roberts Sr. and Almetha Roberts; uncle, Robin Roberts; cousins, Duntell Neal, Jr., Imari Chambers and Malik Sanders; spiritual father, Pastor Eddie L. Pierce.

She leaves to cherish her memory; her four loving children, Andrew (Katie Lou), Olivia, Travis and Terry; her mother, Anita Hughes (Deacon Robert Hughes), sister, Machell Roberts; brothers, Wayne and Carlos Garner and a host of siblings. Surviving also are her paternal grandparents, Sarah Garner of Kankakee, IL and Willie Lee Garner, Sr. of Joliet, IL; spiritual mother, Ruthie Pierce; near and dear friends, Tia J. Shelby-Ward, Andrea Martinez, Tanitia McCaskell, Sharda Dickerson and Deandrea Stallings; uncles, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

“I’m Free” Order of Service Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My Life’s been full, I savoured much,

Saturday January 30, 2021

12:00 PM Perfecting Worship Center 701 Henderson Avenue Joliet, Illinois 60432 Pastor Tyron Hinton Sr, Officiating Prelude Processional Clergy & Family Scripture Reading Minister Prayer of Comfort Acknowledgement of Condolences Song of Comfort Remembering Melissa (2 minutes please) Praise Dance

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch,

Sister S. Brown

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Life Reflections Read Silently

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

Song of Comfort Words of Comfort Pastor Tyrone Hinton, Sr. Perfecting Worship Center

Tributes Mommy, You was really good to us and I hope that you will be better. I love you mommy.

-Your Son Travis Mom, I love you. Thank God for you!

- Your Son Terry My daughter, my BFF and my love.There are no words because we lived by our actions. God loved you more so much more so much more. So I say see you later.

- Love you Always, Momma Sis, I will miss you always calling me your “Big Little Sister”. Your support, love, drive, and motivation pushed and strengthen me on so many different aspects of life. You will always live in me. Rest In Peace my sister, you’ve given me all I need. I hope you feel at peace, just like you made me feel.Rest my beautiful sister until the day our fates align again. I will miss our rants and laughs yet the love we had for each other will forever be irreplaceable. God makes no mistakes and He needed you more.You knew him and lived through him. Fly high and continue to watch over us. I love you so very much!

-Your Sister, Machell Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are The pure in heart, they shall see God” Melissa Your Life was A Blessing. Your Memory A Treasure. You are Loved Beyond Words and Missed Beyond Measures.

What a Blessing to be your Friend and Stylist. True Friends are a Gift from God Above, and through your life I’ve Seen His Love. My Forever Friend.

- Love Always, Coco Melissa, you will be missed! Your smile,your sweet spirit and the laughter that made you an incredible woman to know and love! Rest well Dear Heart! Rest well!

Revelations 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow,nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:former things are passed away.

- Aunt Linda Dear Daughter, You will always be my heart lifting me up through memories, and comfort knowing that you loved and knew the Lord for yourself. When I think of your kindness, caring,love and sunshine you brought into my life:I say thank you my daughter!

I love you Melissa.

- Love Always, Dad Melissa, my first cousin and my first best friend. There are no words to describe the blessing you were to me and how much joy you brought to my life. Your fun, loving charismatic soul was such an intricate part of my childhood, there is no memory without you in it. You will be truly missed but now let the heavens be blessed with your laughter. Rest peacefully beautiful sister/cousin, I’ll see you when I get there.

- Loving you eternally, Cynthia

“My Beautiful Sister Melissa” You brought a abundant of joy and love to our lives, and we are forever grateful for that. We will miss you Beautiful Angel until we meet again. Rest well my Beautiful sister.

- Love Always Keisha and The Nanaies LISSA your life was a blessing to all that encountered you, Your memory a treasure you are lives beyond words.

May the Winds of Heaven Blow Softly. How much we love and miss you and wish you were here.

- Fly High SweetieFly High️, Linda April FIVE MINUTES If I only had 5 minutes the day you passed away. I would’ve had time to tell you all the things I needed to say that I never got to tell you how much you mean to me, or you were the best than anyone that could be. The last time I talked to you I wish I would’ve known, I would said I love you and kept you on the phone. If I only had 5 minutes the day you passed away. I’d hold on to you with real tight hugs, I wouldn’t want you to go. I would tell you that I’ll miss you more than you’ll ever know. But you were gone so quickly. Before you even knew you were standing at heavens gate. Now God has called upon you. It’s time to get your wings. To leave this life behind you and enjoy all of heavens beautiful things. So wait for me in heaven, don’t let me come along. The day the angels come for me, please be there to bring me home - Love Always, Tanitia MCaskill Melissa, I love you cousin. Rest In Peace.

- Love Tim Tim Meliss, We watched you grow from a baby to a beautiful young woman, mother and friend. Most of all a woman of God. Gonna miss that smile, those hugs, and hearing you tell us “ I appreciate you and I love you. I will cherish that forever. God knew best. Til we meet again our niece - Love Gran and Uncle Tim From co workers, to friends, to FAMILY. I’ve been blessed with nearly 30 years of your lovely kindness. Words can never describe the level of greatness I feel in my heart. You were a awesome sister & friend! You will forever be in my heart, I love you, “Melissa Renee!” Fly high baby.

- Shuggie Melissa you were my best friend and my sister.I could tell you anything and you would not judge me, but if I was wrong you would not hesitate to tell me I was wrong. Your heart was so big and your smile and laugh lit up a room. 30 or more years is a long time to be friends. You were a awesome mom, There will never be another you but don’t you worry I will still be whispering sercets to you and telling you everything. I love you and I will miss you but you will always hold a special place in my heart watch over us all.

- Love you Dee Dee

Acknowledgements

The family of Melissa Roberts acknowledges with deepest gratitude the outpouring of love, prayers and support received from everyone. Your expressions of sympathy rendered through cards, telephone calls, emails, texts messages, visits and other acts of kindness are great sources of comfort and strength. May your lives be filled with God’s peace and love.

Be Well and Stay Safe. Special thanks to Project Gabriel.