CARLA MITCHELL ROBERTS

Carla Mitchell Roberts died suddenly on April 8, 2009, from abdominal cancer at Northside Hospital – Cherokee, Canton GA. She was born in Poplarville, MS in 1942, the daughter of E.J. and Joyce Mitchell, both deceased. She was survived by her husband of 46 years, Gaylen Roberts; her two sons, Richard and wife Bonnie, and Guy and wife Amanda; five grandchildren Ryan, Michelle, Thomas, Nicholas and Jessica.; and her sister Pam Ernest and husband Joe; her brother-in-law Bill and wife Marilyn; and five nieces. Carla graduated from Pearl River Junior College and the University of Mississippi in 1963, along with her husband. She was a devoted supporter of her husband’s career as a United States Air Force officer and pilot, moving 21 times over a 24-year span, including two overseas tours. While raising two young boys, she also found time to serve as President of the Officers Wives Club on several occasions, do extensive volunteer activities, and work as an office manager and executive assistant. In Washington, D.C., she served three years as a tour guide and assistant librarian at Mt. Vernon, the home of George Washington. In 1986, Gaylen retired from the Air Force and they moved to Norcross, GA. There she continued to work in business administrative positions then retired full-time to dedicate herself to volunteer work. She spent many hours at the Day Shelter for Women in downtown Atlanta. She was a member of the initial class of trainees to serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Gwinnett County, serving the needs of children from broken families. After serving as a CASA for several years, she organized a fund-raising program and Board of Directors to increase private funding assistance. In addition, she delivered monthly Meals-on-Wheels. After moving to Canton, she continued to participate in MOW and persuaded her Laurel Canyon development to take full responsibility for an entire route. She also became a regular volunteer at Angel House in Waleska and encouraged the Laurel Canyon community to be a primary sponsor. She was a member of the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association and USTA for 23 years, winning several City Championships and one State Championship. She ran in 10 Peachtree Road Races in her 50s then ran with her son, granddaughter and grandson at age 66. She wrote four feature articles published in the AJC and was recognized by the “In The Kitchen…” column for her gastronomical achievements. At Seasons of Laurel Canyon she is a most-loved neighbor, friend, organizer, bridge player, tennis captain, welcomer, book club-er, block captain and volunteer. But above all she was a beloved wife, and the best mother, grandmother, and sister ever – as attested to by the deep love and adoration all of her family and friends feel for her. Some of her pictures and accomplishments can be found at http://web.mac.com/groberts77/. A memorial service will be conducted by the Reverend Wiley Stephens at Dunwoody United Methodist Church on April 14 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Carla Roberts Memorial Scholarship Fund at Reinhardt College, Waleska, GA, 30183. These scholarships will be used to encourage Angel House residents to achieve a college education.

Tributes

CARLA MITCHELL ROBERTS

April 9, 2009