Gaylen Jeannine Roberts

Jeannine Akins Roberts passed away on August 1, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born on September 21, 1938, in Kansas City, Kansas, to the late Gerald and Jean Akins, as the oldest of four children. She was raised on a farm in Polk County, Missouri, but spent most of her adult life in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Throughout her life, Jeannine volunteered with various civic and historic organizations. Her dedication to service was evident in her involvement and leadership in the Women's Club of Raleigh, where she served as President and was nominated twice for Woman of the Year. She also served as a docent at the Governor's Mansion for 35 years and contributed as both a docent and a board member at the Mordecai House. Jeannine was a charter member of the Raleigh Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild, and previously participated in the Readers Club and Raleigh Quilt Guild. Additionally, she was active in her local garden club and participated in a prison aftercare ministry. Renowned for her exquisite needlework, including counted cross-stitch and museum quality quilting, Jeannine received numerous awards recognizing her remarkable talent.

Married to her high school sweetheart, LeRoy Roberts, they cherished 68 years together. Jeannine is survived by her two sons, Dr. Mark Roberts, and his wife, Pam, of East Falmouth, MA, David Roberts, and his partner Michelle, of Burlington, NC; grandchildren, Daniel Roberts, and his wife, Sarah, of Acton, MA, Amber Banks, and her husband, Michael, of Charlotte, NC, Emily Berlin, and her husband, Tyler, of Maynard, MA, Adam Roberts, and his wife, Victoria, of Greensboro, NC; brothers, Zane Akins of The Villages, FL, Boyd Akins, and his wife, Frances, of Louisburg, KS, Jerry Akins, and his wife, Carolyn, of Springfield, MO. Her legacy continues with four great-grandchildren, Piper, Beau, Owen, and Jackson.

A service to celebrate Jeannine's Life will be held at a later date.

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