Nathaniel Roberts

NATHANIEL ROBERTS the fourth child of the late Sherwood and Clara Roberts was born in Baltimore, Maryland on May 17, 1932. He departed this life to transition into the circle of ancestors where God met him, face to face on August 2, 2012. Nathaniel was educated in the Baltimore Public School System, graduating from Dunbar high in 1950 and achieving higher education at the University of Oklahoma. As a young man, Nathaniel married his childhood sweetheart, Bessie Williams. They were married on August 7, 1950 and from this union came six children, Patricia, Michael, Wayne, Donald, Howard and Natalie. Known as an “old school gentleman” he placed God and family first and was diligent in serving both. A tribute to Nathaniel has been chronicled in a book written by his son, Donald titled, “Hey Daddy, Read This”. A short excerpt includes these words… As I go through this faze of my life, no longer a boy, but a man ... I can only say, thank you for showing me how to be one. Having a father, or rather, a ‘daddy’ as you so aptly put it, is something I always took for granted. More than a few of my friends don’t have dads, and it’s hard for me to grasp what that must be like for them. Being the “old school gentleman” as he was, Nathaniel owned a strong work ethic and assumed leadership in his family. He served the U.S. Post Office for over 30 years as a master mechanic attending to all of its mechanical apparatus. Though he worked multiple jobs the majority of his life … when home “the Look” could correct both behavior and the situation at hand” … all that needed to be said to any of the 6 children by Bessie was … “just wait until your father gets home.” When he committed or gave his word to people or a cause … he was dedicated throughout his life. Active and engaged in the life of the Church, he served as a member of the Holy Name Society, the Men’s Chorus and within the role of Lector, which he cherished and honored. When proclaiming the Word of God, Nathaniel spoke with a sincerity and clarity that commanded the attention of the assembly. Nathaniel’s love for family was manifested with the amount of time spent with family; enjoying, nurturing and guiding the family formed by God, him and Bessie. He lovingly served as husband and father. Family memories engulfed his life. Oftentimes his weekends were spent visiting his sisters homes; Juanita, Argatha, Sylvia and Mozelle as they enjoyed feasts, card playing and family-hood. We will all cherish our memories of Nathaniel as he celebrated life with others through bowling, fishing, planting his vegetables and becoming a Baltimore Ravens “fanatic”. He so enjoyed being a season ticket holder of the Ravens and cherished his time in “handicap row” with Big Vic, Jeff and Howard. Attending away games was a real treat… his time in Cincinnati with his Bengal football family was something he looked forward to. Full of joy, his laughter will always ring clear in our ears and resound in our hearts, as we will always recall his great sense of humor when we remember him. Nathaniel now joins the circle of ancestors including his parents, his son Michael, siblings, Junior and Juanita as well as her husband Lee Newton. He will always be loved by his wife of 62 years, Bessie and his loving children and their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sisters and a host of relatives and friends. May the Angels of Paradise come out to greet dear Nathaniel and walk him into heaven when he will meet his God face to face.

Tributes

Nathaniel Roberts

May 17, 1932 - August 2, 2012