Roberta Hudson Kesler

She was born April 24, 1943 in Salisbury, NC to the late, Robert Burton Hudson, Sr. and Alma Marie Brown Hudson. She was married to her treasured husband, Donald Claude Kesler for 62 years.

She grew up in Granite Quarry, and graduated from East Rowan High School. She graduated from High Point College and taught 5th grade in Newport News, VA, and Wake County, NC. She stepped away from teaching to stay at home full time to raise her two daughters, Kristen and Elizabeth. After living in both Raleigh and Newport News, Roberta settled in Matthews and lived there for 47 years. Roberta was a direct descendant of Michael Braun (Brown) of the historical Rowan County Old Stone House (1766). Her grandfather was James Aaron Brown, who was instrumental in restoring the Old Stone House to practically original condition.

Roberta was a founding member of Morningstar Presbyterian Church in MAtthews, NC. She founded the preschool and served as its director for many years.

Roberta’s nurturing spirit continued outdoors, where she was an avid gardener who could root just about anything. She had a green thumb and a sweet tooth. She loved to cross-stitch, sew, and quilt. She was a night owl who loved watching late night television, especially Stephen Colbert. She was a dog lover and a gift shop enthusiast.

Roberta was warm and friendly to all. She loved fiercely. She was a doting mother and grandmother. She often thought of others and had a gift for making those she cared about feel seen and loved. We will miss laughing with her, watching movies while she falls asleep next to us, and all the little ways she shared her unconditional love. We will hold these memories close to our hearts and carry her with us, always.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Burton Hudson, Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Donald Claude Kesler of Matthews; daughters, Kristen Kesler Brigman (Brian) of Mebane and Elizabeth Kesler Stout of Matthews; sister, Annie Marie Hudson Seaford of Salisbury; grandchildren, Benjamin Alexander Brigman, Jackson Parker Brigman (Olivia Trapatsos), Dillon Ross Stout, Madeleine Maria Brigman, Connor McIntire Stout, Lily Genevieve Brigman.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Morningstar Presbyterian Church.

Visitation will be held at Morningstar Presbyterian Church, 13000 Idlewild Rd, Matthews, NC 28105, US, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 am.

Burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1310 W. Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144.