Emma Odessa Roberts

Mrs. Emma Odessa Roberts, 93, of Sanford, NC transitioned into eternal rest on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at her residence.

Emma Odessa Hayes Roberts, daughter of the late Annie McLean Hayes and Willie Hayes was born October 11, 1930, in Moore County, NC. She departed this life on September 15, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.

Odessa grew up in Carthage, NC and attended Moore County Schools. She was very active at Pleasant Hill Freewill Baptist Church, Carthage, NC where she met her soulmate, Clawson Roberts. He swept her off her feet and they were married for 62 years. She spent many years working with her husband on the family farm. Eventually, she started working at Lee County Hospital where she retired after 25 years.

She was a life-long member of New Hope AME Zion Church.

Odessa was preceded in death by her loving husband, Clawson Roberts; her parents, Willie and Annie Hayes; her daughter, Phyllis Williams and her great granddaughter, Angelic Marie Green.

Odessa leaves to mourn her children: Alice Phillips of Sanford, NC; Willie Roberts of Sanford, NC; Wilma Frye (Curtis) of Columbia, SC; Kenneth Roberts (Vivian) of Venice, FL; Marilyn McIver (Kenneth) of Sanford, NC; John Roberts of Sanford, NC and Carla R. West (Reginald); seventeen grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren; two godchildren, two brothers in law, John Roberts and Thurman Roberts (Joyce) and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Sanford, NC