Willie Joe Roberts was born to Booker T. and Blanche (Gilliam) Roberts on March 04, 1958 in Livingston, Texas. As a young boy, Joe was very adventurous; he loved playing baseball with his siblings and taking care of the farm. Mama Blanche moved Willie Joe and his sisters to Houston in 1969. He was baptized at Lyons Unity Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor O.C.Johnson Sr. in Houston, Texas.
Willie Joe graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in Houston, Texas in 1977. In 1981, he married Olivia Deborah (Clarence) Roberts. They had two beautiful children Derrick (1982) and Dominique (1987). Joe worked at First Interstate Bank currently known as Wells Fargo, for 18 years. Willie Joe was no stranger to hard work, he worked as a driver for Houston Freightliner for over 19 years. He was well loved by all who knew him.
In his spare time Willie Joe loved to cook; he rightfully earned the name “Smokin’ Joe” because of his master BBQ skills. His gumbo was top tier, and his oxtails were unmatched. He was an avid Los Angeles Lakers and San Francisco 49ers fan. He also loved watching Western movies while snacking on popcorn and butter pecan ice cream. Willie Joe always had a smile on his face and his laughter was infectious. He always had a witty remark or comeback to make you laugh.
Willie Joe was a man of God, he became a virtual member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas. He leaves to cherish his life, his son Derrick; his daughter, Dominique; sisters: T. Ester (Eddie - deceased), Retha (R.L. - deceased), Bridget (Ray), and Coretta (Lewis) as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great- nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother Blanche (Gilliam) Roberts and father Booker T. Roberts.
A visitation for Willie will be held Friday, January 14, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral service will occur Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A burial will occur Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Shepherd Memorial Cemetery, 350 S. Hill St., Shepherd, TX 7737.
Serving as pallbearers are Tarence Roberts, Sir Roberts, Stafford Slaughter, Derrick Roberts, Marcus Johnson, Javier Osorto, Ray Branch, Lewis Tubbs, Mitchell Session and Ricky Clarence.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidefuneralhomelauder.com for the Roberts family.
