Marzetta (Branch) Roberts

Marzetta (Branch) Roberts, born Friday, September 21, 1917, in Adairsville, GA, daughter of the late Judson Branch and Pauline (Gillard) Branch, transitioned into eternity on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Marzetta received her formal education at Swatara High School graduating in 1936. She was employed as a caregiver, housekeeper as well as long-term employment with the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles. She was the recipient of several awards from Dauphin County, Swatara Township and the Governor of Pennsylvania. Marzetta was united in Christian fellowship with Monumental AME Church, Steelton, PA, where she served as Steward, Missionary and with many other auxiliaries over the years. Marzetta could be found anywhere there was a need in the church, and she was not shy to tell anyone how much she loved Jesus. One of her grandchildren’s fondest memories of her was her bedtime routine; after the news was over, she would read her Bible in a little blue chair and pray at her bedside. After high school, Marzetta married the love-of-her-life, William H. Roberts “Billy” on May 10, 1938, in Hagerstown, MD. Affectionately called “Det.” by Billy, Marzetta and Billy immediately started their family and finished with five boys. Marzetta was a loving and nurturing mother. She enjoyed cooking, baking and spending time with her children. She attended everything her boys were involved in including programs and athletic events until she was spotted running down the sideline onto the field completing a touchdown along with her son Spencer. At that point, she was lovingly banned by her husband Billy from attending her sons’ sporting events. Marzetta also served as the Den Mother for the Oberlin Cub Scouts until her son Charles “Pean” joined the troop. At that point, she retired because she knew the handful he was going to be. Marzetta was considered the “Village Mother” and assisted as Matriarch to those families whose mothers had passed on. She was also known to feed the neighborhood. You could catch her riding to several stores every other week with her personal shopping chauffeur, Michael, in a ‘79 Monte Carlo. Marzetta would have the car so packed with food that she, Michael and Mama all had to sit on the front seat. She continued making holiday dinners well into her 90’s which included weeks of cookie baking with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many people would stop by for their tins of freshly baked cookies that were made with lots of butter and lots of love. Many have sat at her table and enjoyed home-cooked meals while being asked repeatedly, “Did you get enough to eat?” Marzetta truly enjoyed entertaining and socializing. She was always the light and joy of the party; you could find her dancing, even in her seat, at her 100th Birthday Party. Marzetta always maintained an immaculate home even with five active sons. She dressed her table and buffet with beautiful tablecloths and doilies. However, she would chase after her son Larry who wanted to run the vacuum and dust several times a day. In her later years, she enjoyed the company of her oldest son, Billy Bob, who was sure to have her dinner on the table promptly at 6:30 p.m. as she requested. “She Was The Boss!” Marzetta was a “Gem” and was loved by all who had the pleasure of being in her company. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Roberts Sr.; two sons, Lawrence E. Roberts and Spencer I. Roberts; five sisters, Materice Crummel, Charles Mae Ingram, Anna Pauline Branch, Shirley Lomax and Patricia Branch; six brothers, Judson Branch, Albert Branch, Raymond Branch, Delbert Branch, Bill Branch and Marlin Branch. She leaves to cherish her memory one sister, Jeanette Perry of Los Angeles; three sons, William H. Roberts Jr., Charles A. Roberts (Pat) and Michael J. Roberts (Pamela); fifteen grandchildren, thirty-eight great-grandchildren, ten great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends. Marzetta will truly be missed, forever loved, and never forgotten! Lovingly Submitted, The Family FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY YOUR NAME.

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Marzetta (Branch) Roberts

September 21, 1917 - July 16, 2022