Laura Mae Roberts

Laura Mae Roberts, age 97, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Laura Mae Winton was born on December 2, 1928 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to the late Mertie (Brewer) and late Ollis Winton. She was the youngest of her siblings.

Laura Mae married the late Evans Roberts in 1944, and of that union they were blessed with seven children. Laura Mae was a dedicated Wife of 70 years and a Domestic Engineer. She functioned as the primary manager of the home, displaying strong organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills. In 1967, Laura Mae was Founding First Lady of St. James Baptist Church, and a cherished Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Great-Great- Grandmother until her passing. She was a devoted and involved Christian. An integral and faithful serving member of St. James from its inception through her promotion. Laura Mae was an ever present, active Mother, and a supporting pillar in the upbringing of her Grands as well an entertaining force for robust laughter. She tried to meet each of her Grands where they were, and build that solid lasting relationship of love and affection.

Laura Mae is preceded in death by her Parents: Mertie and Ollis Winton; her Siblings: Vivian Walker, Denver, CO., Nora L Thomas, Denver, CO., Evelyn Shepherd, Denver, CO. and Ollis (OJ) Winton Jr., Fort Smith, AR; Her Husband: Evans Roberts; her Son: Emanuel E. Roberts 1 and Great-Grandson: Amare' Cole Smith.

Left to mourn her passing...Daughters: Maggie L. Hamilton, Laura J. Young, Ava D. Nowling (Mark), Lynn Dillard (Stephen), Lisa M. Smith and Mary E. Roberts; Daughter-in-Law: Tamula Roberts and Son-in-Law: Paul T. Young; Grandchildren: Blight Hamilton, Zina Thomas, Sidney Hamilton, Paul L. Young (Ashlee), Lauran Young, Emanuel E. Roberts II, Elisha Roberts, Matthew Nowling, Marcus Nowling, Michael Nowling, Shayla Williams, Jenee' Williams, Tamia Williams, Candace Dillard, Bradley Smith (Chelsie), Stuart Smith (Danielle), Ryan Smith (Whitney) and Christopher Roberts; Great-Grandchildren: Alexandria and Brianna Hamilton; Tiesha, Stephen, Shountea, Tanicqua, Ayden and Aeneas Hamilton; Rylee and Carson Young; Deonta', Malachi, Machi, NyAsia, Xavier, Carter, Kobe and Taraji Smith. Roman and Ruth Smith. And, Mercy Smith; Great-Great-Grandchildren: Aubrianna and Taniyah Hamilton.

In addition, she was loved and held close by a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Special Friends.

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