Rev. Dr. John E. Roberts
Rev. Dr. John E. Roberts was born on March 9, 1927 in Bryant, Mississippi. He was given the go-ahead on July 9, 2021 at 2:30 a.m. He was the son of George and Melvina Roberts. He had three siblings, Mattie (Roberts) McClain, Anne Gertrude-Adams, and brother Alex Loggins, all of whom preceded him in death. His early education was in Mississippi. When he was twelve years old, he accepted Christ and was baptized. He worked with his grandfather, who was a tenant. His grandfather called him a preacher when he was growing up.
After his grandfather died at the age of 17, he came to Toledo, Ohio to be with his mother. He finished high school in Toledo, attended Scott, and graduated from Libbey High School. He was employed by Woolworth’s, Martin Box, Toledo Steel and Tube and Toledo Public Schools, where he retired as a bus driver.
He was united on April 6, 1950 in holy marriage with Bernice (Thompson) Roberts. From this marriage 3 sons were born, Rev. Dr. Derrick E. Roberts, Rev. Jeffrey J. Roberts, and Tracey B. Roberts. Pastor and mother Roberts celebrated their 71 year marriage on April 6, 2021.
Pastor Roberts loved telling stories about his baseball expertise and grueling left hook.
Pastor Roberts’ loyalty and devotion was evident in the various roles he held at Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, along with his commitment to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has been an active member of Indiana since its inception in February 1946, where he was a charter member. He has served and followed in the footsteps of most offices in the Church, from guardian to pastor. He received his divine calling to preach in September 1962 and was called to pastor on the third Sunday in January 1965.
He graduated from Toledo Bible College and was best in his class in 1975 for a Bachelor of Arts in religious education; In 1984 he received a Master of Theology and 1985 a PhD in Biblical Theology.
As a pastor, he has fed the flock and encouraged them to be effective soul winners. As a result, the membership grew from around 60 to thousands.
As a teacher, he opened the eyes of many who stumbled in spiritual darkness and led them to the light through his sermons and Bible study of the Word of God.
As a preacher, he preached purity of heart and baptism to all true believers; his speech and preaching were not just words of man’s wisdom, but a demonstration of the spirit and power of God in man. All of the major achievements in his life were the result of an upright living and predominant prayer. Rev. Dr. John Roberts tried to live what he preached.
He saved numerous marriages, prevented many young people from leaving their homes, and sent many young people home; has helped countless others deal with grief and illness.
He was instrumental in moving the congregation from the basement to the upper level, then into the current sanctuary he designed and later the Stephenson-Roberts Fellowship Hall building.
Christ-like in devotion: strong in faith and mighty in prayer. His life with his results is a never-failing inspiration and challenges people of all ages and races and creates strong men around him.
Pastor Roberts was not only a leader in the church, he also gave the ward a religious aspect. Our pastor, Rev. Dr. Roberts, has received numerous awards and recognitions, resolutions, and commendations from local, state, and federal officials over the years. It has walls full of plaques, shelves with gifts and three keys to the city of Toledo.
His parents preceded him in death; Siblings; Son, Rev. Dr. Derrick E. Roberts and grandson, John Jeffrey Roberts. To preserve his memory, he leaves his loving wife and 71-year-old friend, mother Bernice; Sons, Rev. Jeffrey and Tracy; Daughters, Deborah and Crystal; Grandchildren, Jeremy, Jelise, Juston, Traci, Teontré, Darius and 4 great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, church families, adoptive families and nice friends.
Special thanks go to St. Anne’s Hospital and the Ebeid Hospice.
The visit takes place on Friday, July 16, 2021, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., family hour 6:00 p.m., followed by an after-work service at 7:00 p.m. at Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 640 Indiana Avenue, Toledo, OH . held., Entombment Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to the Dale-Riggs Funeral Home.
Published by The Blade on July 11, 2021.
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