Esther Lee Roberson, the oldest daughter of Bertha Mae Miller and Will C. Lewis, was born August 8, 1939. Raised and educated in Dallas, Texas, Esther was the epitome of love in action. Early in her life, Esther served as the primary caregiver for her three sisters, Willie Mae Tatum, Dannie Prichett and JoAnn Davis (deceased), while their mom worked two jobs. She took great pride in teaching them how to cook, clean, cut wood and collect coal oil for the cooking stove. Esther was meticulous in preparing her sisters to be fed and dressed before school and would repeat the routine in the evenings when their mother worked. This early preparation laid the foundation for motherhood, long before it was a reality - yet, it gave her the tools to become an extraordinary mother to her children and countless others. While in middle school, Esther met the love of her life, Earl Roberson and they dated while attending Booker T. Washington High School. After finishing school they married in 1957, and from their union, they were blessed with six beautiful children. Esther and Earl raised their children to love God, love one another and to treat others the way they themselves want to be treated.
Known throughout the Dallas community for her delicious meals and artistic desserts, Esther’s famous German chocolate cake would make the most respectful child want to “slap your momma!” Esther loved and mastered the art of cooking with fidelity until it became her livelihood. She devoted 19+ years to DISD schools as the head pastry cook for several school buildings. Esther was known in her community for the variety of cakes, pies, and pastries she would prepare during holidays and celebrations. Beyond baking, Esther loved preparing food for the soul and serving family and friends. The act of preparing home cooked meals for family and loved ones brought her joy. Her happy place was almost always in the kitchen.
Esther loved her relationship with God. She was not overly religious, yet she was a deeply spiritual woman. She made a personal commitment to Christ and her public confession of faith at Bethlehem Baptist Church. There, Esther dedicated her life to Christ and developed her Christian faith for over 40 years. She served on the Usher Board, and on the Annual Homecoming Committee for Pioneer Day. More than just her place of worship, Bethlehem Baptist Church is home to her spiritual leaders and community of friends. As much as she loved cooking and her church, Esther was also an avid shopper, who knew how to catch a good sale; and she was a fan of scary movies. She took great pride in blessing others with gifts and sharing stories from her favorite movies.
Forgiveness was important to Esther. No matter what the offense, she did not hold the action against you. She spoke truth in love and let you know how she felt about a situation, then, she would leave the past in the past. Esther reminded all that the word of God states that we would reap whatever actions and behaviors we have sown. She would often remind us that unforgiveness does not have a home in our hearts.
For Esther Roberson, family was everything. Her love was expansive and encompassed the love of her life Earl Roberson, Sr., her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her family was the center of her universe. Esther leaves to cherish her memory, children, Pamela Jackson, LaTonya Office, Earl Roberson, Jr., LaDon Roberson, Barbara Owens (Marvin Owens Jr.); and Johna Roberson (Robintine); 15 grandchildren, Kesha (Nason); Antwan, Keenun (Shaterra), Dreylon, Deshalon, Taylor; Jazmyne, Marcus, Matthew; Johna, Jr; Jayla and Jocelyn; (grandchildren, Monica, Shamondra and Dominic, all preceded Esther in death). Her lineage continues with 16 great-grandchildren (Sir Maxwell, preceded her in death) and 4 great-great-grandchildren Esther leaves two sisters, Willie Mae Tatum and Dani Pritchette; one Brother-in-Love, Wesley Marshall, Sr. (Patricia) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones and friends.
Above all, with the help of the Lord, Esther endured and weathered many storms in this lifetime. Through every storm, she demonstrated ‘mustard seed’ faith that moved mountains out of her way - and she has finally earned her reward. Her strength has been replaced with a crown. She is reunited with Earl, the love of her life. Remember her, not for the storms in her life, but for the sunshine which followed. In your life, be a ray of sunshine and recall Esther’s light which blessed this earth for 82 years.
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