I had the privilege of working as the Assistant Principal while Dr. Roberson served as Principal at School #60. She was always gracious and caring when it came to her students and staff.
Under her guidance, I learned to lead with confidence. We often had conversations after school that emphasized her love for her family, especially her son and grandchildren. She had a great sense of humor and a willingness to listen to the concerns of students, parents, and staff. She championed new ideas and new programs that improved the school.
Dr. Roberson was a woman of faith who strongly praised the source of her blessings. I was so sorry to hear of her passing. May she rest peacefully in God's presence.

Dr. Bessie Roberson was introduced to Community Partners Home Care on December 22, 2022. From the very moment we met her, her spirit was kind, warm, and welcoming. Over the next few months, I had the privilege of truly getting to know her.

Typically, after the initial meeting, clients are paired with employees—but there was something special about Dr. Roberson. She carried herself with grace and strength. She was deeply spiritual, and she was filled with heartfelt wisdom that always left an impression.

In the three short years that I knew her, it truly felt like a lifetime. Every conversation was meaningful, and with every moment spent with her, she planted a nugget of wisdom that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

There are a few things I came to know about Dr. Roberson. First, she loved her family. She always had stories to share—stories about them growing up, stories about her parents, and stories about her grandparents. She also spoke so lovingly about her students, whom she adored. And just from the way she talked about them, you could tell they adored her right back.

But most importantly, I knew the love she had for her son, Antwan. He was her world. From the time he was a little boy all the way into adulthood, she would reminisce about his love for her and her love for him. You could hear it in her voice, and you could feel it in her heart.

To know Dr. Roberson was to love her. She may have been introduced to us as a client, but little did she know—she became family. My entire family knew her. She and the nurse even visited with my ailing mother one time. She met my grandmother, my aunts, and became someone we all cared about deeply.

So today, I would say farewell, Dr. Roberson… but I feel comforted knowing that this is not goodbye forever. I believe that one day I will see you again on the other side.

Rest well, Aunt Bessie.
Chancy Martin
Agency Director
Community Partners Home Care

I am Charles W. Simmons, founder and President of Sojourner-Douglas College. I want to express our deepest condolences for the passing of Bessie Roberson. Bessie was an impassioned educator and a trusted and devoted friend and member of the Sojourner-Douglass College family. She was the Director of Continuing Studies at Sojourner 'Douglass.

She was dedicated to the SDC focus and mission of service to the community. She had a passion for the community and the students, faculty, staff and administrators at SDC. Bessie will be sorely missed by us all. We are thankful and appreciative for her dedicated service.

Bessie ran the good race and finished the course. A job well done.

Today, I pause with a grateful heart and tender spirit to honor a life that was deeply invested in service, vision, and the future of others. As the former Director of Development at Sojourner Douglass College, Dr. Roberson gave more than professional excellence—she gave heart, integrity, and unwavering commitment to building something that would outlive us all. Many opportunities that exist today are a direct reflection of her quiet labor, strategic insight, and belief in what the Sojourner Douglass College could become. While we mourn the loss of her physical presence, we give thanks for a life that made a lasting difference.

Today, I pause with a grateful heart and tender spirit to honor a life that was deeply invested in service, vision, and the future of others. As the former Director of Development at Sojourner Douglass College, Dr. Roberson gave more than professional excellence—she gave heart, integrity, and unwavering commitment to building something that would outlive us all. Many opportunities that exist today are a direct reflection of her quiet labor, strategic insight, and belief in what the Sojourner Douglass College could become.

Today, I pause with a grateful heart and tender spirit to honor a life that was deeply invested in service, vision, and the future of others. As the former Director of Development at Sojourner Douglass College, Dr. Roberson gave more than professional excellence—she gave heart, integrity, and unwavering commitment to building something that would outlive us all. Many opportunities that exist today are a direct reflection of her quiet labor, strategic insight, and belief in what the Sojourner Douglass College could become. While we mourn the loss of her physical presence, we give thanks for a life that made a lasting difference.

Rest in peace, my dear friend, you will be greatly missed.PKAQ

On behalf of the sisters of Doris Willoughby Carroll, we want to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dr. Bessie Robertson.

Bessie and Doris and Thelma were always going to restaurants, parties and church – a threesome! We know that the love and caring that surrounds you at this time will give you strength and encouragement. Soon the fond memories of Bessie’s life “well spent” will give you joy and pleasure.

With warm regards, Doris’s sisters,
Edith Tucci, Hilda McIntosh, and Carolyn Cramer

For over 50 years Bessie has been a dear friend to me. We have shared our families. We’ve shared our friends and shared our spiritual growth. Through all those years we’ve worked together and supported each other in our various career paths. We grew together we learn to be patient together and we learned to make the highs seem wonderful and the lows not so low. I will greatly miss you and never ever forget, but you have meant to me . I enjoyed sitting in your kitchen, talking, sitting in the car at McDonald’s, watching people, visiting your church, your family homes and so much more. Threw it all you’re fine Christian songwriter and a fine Christian who finally got to get your reward to be with the Lord. I’m so happy to have known you! God bless your family who has all those wonderful memories of you.

Aunt Bessie remains a tender presence in my heart. As the oldest granddaughter of her best friend Doris-Ann, I was blessed to witness a bond that had became part of my own life. Aunt Bessie had a gentle way of loving—soft-spoken, sincere, and endlessly kind—making everyone around her feel valued and at peace. Though she is no longer with us, I find comfort in believing that heaven opened its arms and welcomed home one of its truest angels. Her spirit feels too beautiful for this world alone, and now it lives on in a place of perfect peace, watching over us with the same quiet love she always gave.

My prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Dr. Bessie Roberson during this difficult time. She was truly a blessing in my life—a woman of God whose faith and strength inspired everyone around her. One thing about Dr. Bessie is that I never played about her; she knew where I stood, and I loved and respected her deeply.

To me, she was more than just my client—she was like a mother and a dear friend. Her love, guidance, and spirit will forever remain in my heart.

Thank You, Lord, for the privilege of knowing her. May her soul find eternal peace in Your presence.