Josephine Moore Roberts

Josephine Moore Roberts was born March 28, 1927, in Alcorn County, Mississippi to Felix M. and Ethel Bird Moore. One of seven children, she grew up in Cypress Inn, Tennessee. After finishing high school, she taught elementary school for three years in a one room schoolhouse, while attending college at North Alabama University. She worked many jobs to pay her way through college, barely scraping by, but helping her younger siblings as she could. She graduated in 1952 with degrees in Home Economics and Elementary Ed. Moving to Florida for a teaching job, she met her first husband James W. Cameron, Jr. They were married in 1954 and had one daughter Jeanne . Josephine and her family lived in Jacksonville, her husband working as a chemist and she as a U.S.D.A /University of Florida Extension Agent. In 1960 they moved to Bartow, where she continued working with the University and County as well as attending the University of Florida to complete three master’s degrees, one of which was in Agriculture. In 1976, her husband died suddenly, leaving her a young widow. After 10 years, she married Leonard T. Roberts and they had 20 wonderful years together before he passed away in 2009. After working for 33 1/2 years, she retired, traveling the world, participating in mission trips, performing community service, participating in church activities and enjoying gardening and sewing at home . Her greatest joy was her grandchildren, and she was thrilled this October when her granddaughter married the love of her life. God was the center of her life, and she blessed many thousands of people during her lifetime with her kindness, encouragement and generosity. A prayer warrior, she spent much of her final years helping from her chair. She prayed in earnest every day and called many people with messages of support. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Survivors include her daughter Jeanne Gonzalez (Jose), granddaughter Kathleen Gonzalez (Michael), grandson Robert Gonzalez, sister Etheleen Garrison, sister-in-law Betty Moore, stepson Ed Roberts (Sally), stepdaughters Kay Widlacki (Phil), Beth Knighten- Deck, and several step grandchildren, nieces & nephews and a host of friends. Family will receive friends Friday, March 8, 2024, from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Bartow, followed by the funeral from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Private Burial. All are welcome. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com