Jerry E. Roberts

Jerry was born on May 17th, 1941 near Oxford, Alabama and spent most of his childhood years growing up in Alexander City, Alabama where he graduated from Benjamin Russell High School in 1959.

Jerry met Janice Roberts, his wife of almost 56 years, while attending Jacksonville State University where he graduated with a Degree in Finance in 1963. Upon graduation Jerry gave over 30 years of loyal service to Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Gadsden until his retirement in 1999.

Jerry was the son of a World War II veteran and very proud of his own service in the United States Army Reserves in the 1960’s.

Jerry loved life. He loved to tell stories about his grandsons, maintain his beautiful garden, admire antique cars, support Crimson Tide football, enjoy good barbecue, and care for his dogs. Jerry was an active member of Meadowbrook Baptist Church and The American Legion. He will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him.

During his retirement years Jerry traveled around the world with Janice participating in missionary activities in Israel, China, India, Mexico and Peru where they helped construct several churches and orphanage facilities.

Jerry also assisted with the start up of multiple churches across the United States from Alabama to Oregon and took great pride in helping establish a local Cowboy Church near Gadsden.

Jerry is preceded in death by his wife Janice. He is survived by his son Jeff Roberts, grandsons Benjamin and Hugh Roberts, sisters Betty Griffin, Dot Montgomery, Ann Smith, Virginia Voss and brother Bill Edwards. Nephews Derek Brown and John Smith; nieces Ditra Montgomery Campbell and Crystal Smith.

Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and neighbor. He was a genuinely kind and generous soul who spent the last few years of Janice’s life working tirelessly as her primary caregiver and support. Jerry was the ultimate “helper” to anyone who needed it.

A socially distanced public visitation will begin at 9 am until 10:30 am on Saturday, January 2nd at Collier-Butler Funeral Home in Gadsden. Burial and graveside services will be held at 1 pm at Cullman City Cemetery in Cullman, Alabama. All friends and family are welcome to join the family in Cullman for the graveside service.

Due to COVID concerns, the family will not be having a chapel service in Gadsden at this time. It is hoped that friends and family can attend a memorial service for both Jerry and Janice on a date to be determined in 2021.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Comfort Care Hospice in Gadsden. The family would also like to encourage everyone to socially distance, wear a mask and follow all guidelines of the CDC.