Sharon Kay Roberts

On February 3, 1952, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, destiny was delivered to Altha Lean Roberts-Brown and William West, Sr. Her name…Sharon Kay Roberts. The name Sharon means “a fertile plain”. The name Kay is of Greek origin, meaning "pure" or "chaste." It can also be of Latin and Old Welsh origin, meaning "happy" or "rejoicing". These six words became her life script.

As the nurturing eldest of 8, Sharon had many responsibilities. She played piano for her church, First Missionary Baptist Church. It was here that her love for music was sparked. She attended grade school and graduated from Northside High School in May of 1970. She sang in the High School Choir and was a member of the French Club, Future Teachers of America, Girls Glee Club, Mixed Chorus, and Senior Class Student Body. Sharon graduated with a college preparatory diploma.

She arrived in Las Vegas on April 21, 1972. She got married, on the same day, to Ray Willis. She officially became a mother in 1976 at the age of 24. She was blessed with three brilliantly gifted and talented children: Allena, Donyá, and Vyshika.

Sharon said: There was never a time when I didn’t feel like doing the work of a mother. Being a mother is both challenging and rewarding. Being a grandmother is a joy! And joyous it was. She adored her grandchildren.

Educational Pursuits

Upon graduation from High School, she attended the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (formerly Westark Junior College) for two years. Her areas of concentration were Music Education, Vocal Training, and Choir/Mixed Chorus. In May of 1978, she matriculated through the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Proudly, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Teacher Certification with a double minor in Mathematics and English. She went on to complete a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Phoenix-Las Vegas Campus in 2004.

In May 2009, Sharon Kay Roberts entered the doctoral program in Educational Psychology at Argosy University. Life was honorably disrupted. With all her classes completed, she chose to forgo her dissertation and become a full-time caregiver for her mother Altha.

Employed to Serve

As her heart’s purpose propelled her into service, she became a Rehabilitation Counselor for the State Industrial Insurance System (SIIS). She had a profound effect on those who were otherwise disenfranchised. Kay worked various jobs connected to the corrections system, including the Southern NV Restitution Center. Then came the job of a lifetime. Helping to transform the least, the lost, and the lonely. As a Correctional Caseworker at the

State of Nevada Department of Corrections, God used her to transform. It was here that Ms. Roberts managed a caseload of approximately 250+ incarcerated, retiring in 2004.

After retirement, she returned to the classroom at Mountain View Christian Schools, College of Southern Nevada High School, Rancho Highs School ESL, and Word of Life Christian Academy.

Sharon said: My life and job experiences have been so entrenched with the oppressive events and treatments of unjust, that humor is a must; a cheerful disposition is good for your health (Proverbs 17:22a, The Message).

Church Affiliations & Community Service

Elder Mother Roberts was called to work in several vineyards. Her ministry blessed each: New Bethel Baptist Church (choir member); Word of Life Christian Center (choir member, praise team member, children’s church volunteer, hospitality volunteer); and her final assignment, Society Church LV. This was a divine appointment. Just as Jesus' ministry lasted three years, so did this assignment. It was here that Elder Roberts was ordained and became one of the founding clergies. Elder Roberts poured out everything she had learned through her experiences. She fervently and effectively prayed for the church and its members. She gave out of her lack, unselfishly and consistently. She fed the church, undergirded the children’s ministry, and was the church’s expert in Bible scholarship. She encouraged members, counseled, admonished, prophesied, and exhorted. She was the pillar of a growing church. Proverbs 31:31. Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Continuing her legacy of service, Ms. Roberts was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and a founding charter member of the Las Vegas Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

Hobbies

Sharon Kay had many hobbies. She was best known for her baking skills. She loved being in the kitchen, where her skills were a work of art! Banana Pudding, German Chocolate Cake, Sock-it-to-me Cake, Peach Cobbler, Biscuits…… She would always say, “My kids never had store-bought cookies in their lunch!” She loved gardening, reading Black History, and MOST OF ALL, WATCHING SPORTS! GO RAZORBACKS!

Sharon’s ascended soul left a lasting legacy of perseverance as a committed mother, devoted wife, loyal daughter, protective older sister, and a caring parent and child. Even when life presented her with the challenge of single parenthood, she never lost her stride. At the end, she had some difficult days but if she were here, she’d tell you…. if the storm

don’t cease and if the wind don’t stop blowing in my life, my soul has been anchored in the Lord.

Waiting for her to reunite with them are her parents, Altha Lean Roberts-Brown and William West, Sr., and her sister, Ivory Smith.

Holding in their hearts precious memories are:

Her three children: Dr. Allena Willis Kennerly, Donya’ Willis (Jada), and Vyshika Willis. Her four grandchildren: Sunil “Sunny” Kennerly, Alix Kennerly, Arsalan Willis, and Henri Willis.

Siblings on father's side: Robbie Peterson (Robert) of Fayetteville, AR, William West, Jr. (Marquita) of Fort Smith, AR, Darlene Mahone of Little Rock, AR

Siblings on mother's side: Jean Boyd (Joe) of North Las Vegas, NV, Rev. Horace Smith (Cheryl) of Denver, CO, Saleemah Jalaliddin of Roland, OK, Trudy Smith of Merriville, IN

In addition, she was loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and godchildren.

A memorial service for Sharon will be held Friday, April 4, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Palm Mortuary - Downtown, 1325 North Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101.