Her Birth: “Children are an inheritance from the Lord. They are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3 … and so it was that in Douglas our Heavenly Father rewarded Jessica Riley Roberson and Gerrale Roberson with a beautiful bundle of joy, a baby girl, born October 28, 2022, who they named Carmella Kelis Roberson. Although her time on earth was brief, she filled the lives of everyone who knew her with unforgettable joy and laughter.
Her Life: A light in dark places, Carmella was a child of very few words, yet she loved out loud and her presence was felt in every room she entered. Her rare but radiant smile lit up hearts, while her signature “mean mug” face became a cherished part of her personality. Smart, quick-witted and always on the move, she was a fast runner who never missed a chance to try and get away with anything that she could. Strongwilled and determined, she always wanted her way—and somehow always managed to get it.
Though she sometimes acted as if she didn’t know you, she had a way of overpowering you with love when you least expected it. She enjoyed watching her favorite TV show, Bluey, on every television set in the house, all at once, and she looked up to her sisters as if they were her mothers, too. A true daddy’s girl, she loved sitting beside him, watching sports, football and basketball and never skipped a beat. She lived her short 3 years and 1 month of life to the fullest.
Carmella was preceded in death by a brother, Julius Roberson.
Her Memories: Left to cherish the precious love, unforgettable presence, bold spirit and memories of Carmella, are her parents, Jessica Riley Roberson and Gerrale Roberson of Baxley; two sisters, Sa’Mirah Riley-Roberson and Khamil Roberson; a brother, Gerrale Roberson Jr.; maternal grandparents, James Hill Jr. and Andrea Riley; maternal great grandparents, Flora and Jimmy Willis and James Hill Sr. and Ada Hill; paternal grandparents, Joey and Yolanda Braddy and Charlotta and Greg Reynolds; paternal great-grandparents, Linda and Dennis Roberson and Claretha and Tommy Rogers; aunts, Jasmine Riley, Latorya Riley, Cherida Small, Brittney Hill, Stephanie Hill, Natasha McKenzie, Shawanda Walton and Khiara Braddy; uncles, Marquis Ellis, James Hill III, Uneek Braddy, Brandon McKenzie and Troy McKenzie; godparents, Andrew and Lola Lewis ;and a host of other relatives.
A child of beauty, abundance, devotion, and a flourishing garden, Carmella will be missed beyond words, but her memory will forever remain etched in the hearts of all who knew her.
The Roberson Family extends heartfelt gratitude to our caring neighbors, Tori and Larry Gomez, Brandon Carver and Dr. Evelyn Johnson, whose swift and selfless actions in rendering medical aid to our precious Carmella brought comfort and support during a critical time while awaiting ambulatory transfer. This love and kindness will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, from the New Jersey Baptist Church, Baxley.
Reginald King at C.M. Brown Funeral Home of Baxley met the family at their point of need.
