Octavia "Tay" Susan Ashford Roberts

Octavia (Tay) Ashford Roberts, age 81, of Trent Woods, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2026, surrounded by her family, while looking forward to being with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel (Sonny) Merritt Roberts III, her parents, Dr. Charles Hall Ashford and Caroline Dunn Ashford, and her brother, Dr. Charles Hall Ashford Jr.

A Native of New Bern, she was born at St. Luke's Hospital on September 15, 1944. She grew up on the Neuse and Trent rivers, where she loved boating, crabbing, and water skiing in the local ski shows, as well as hanging out at the Trent Pines Club. She met her best friend and partner for life, Sonny, in the 7th grade at Central School in downtown New Bern. She then attended high school at New Bern High and St. Mary’s. Tay completed her collegiate studies at UNC Chapel Hill and graduated with an Education degree. Upon graduation, Tay and Sonny married on June 4th, 1966. They spent many years together dancing, working in the yard, playing with their dog (Daisy), and watching their children and grandchildren grow up.

Tay enjoyed teaching at Trent Academy and Bangert Elementary. Later, she became a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Willis-Smith, while she and Sonny owned and operated the El Mex restaurants in Havelock and Jacksonville for several years. Then, Sonny’s Raw Bar and Grill in New Bern.

Tay was motivated by her strong faith and love of family. Throughout her life she remained actively involved in church life. In her earlier years, at Christ Episcopal she served many years on the altar guild, was a member of St Francis Chapter, and president of the Episcopal Church Women group. She also served on the vestry. In her later years, as a member of Garber Methodist, she served as a Communion Steward and was a member of Stitches of Love, a group that sews and distributes handmade items to needy people at home and abroad. She was an active member of Colonial Dames and her bridge club with her friends.

Her love of family was evident in everything she did. She loved hosting holiday dinners for her family and friends, picking up her grandkids from school, attending many sporting events, dance recitals, and uplifting others in need. The highlight of her summers was the annual beach week with her family, which her mom (Caroline) started 50 years ago.

She is survived by her children: Daniel (Dan) M. Roberts IV (Kathryn), Ashley R. Carpenter (Gerald “Buddy”); sister, Caroline Ashford and was affectionately known as Gama to her grandkids: D. Merritt Roberts V, Matthew B. Roberts, Octavia (Tayleigh) L. Carpenter, Caroline J. Carpenter, Gerald (Jerry) W. Carpenter III. Tay was a generous and a loving contributor to her family and community. She will be sorely missed by all whose lives she graced.

A Funeral service will be held on Thursday September 10th at Garber Methodist Church at 1 PM followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Garber Church, 4201 Country Club Road, New Bern, N.C., 28562.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Roberts and Carpenter families.