Almeda Zeleta Roberts

Today, we come together to remember and celebrate the life of our mother Almeda affectionately called “Zeke” by her family. A remarkable woman whose presence was a blessing to us all.  In these few words, we hope to capture the essence of a life filled with purpose, overflowing with love, and sustained by an incredible strength of spirit.

Almeda was born on April 16, 1940, in the small town of Skippers, Virginia to the late James and Esther Young. She was the fourth eldest of 11 children. Almeda celebrated her 84th birthday on April 16th surrounded by her family.

She married the love of her life, Roosevelt Roberts, known as “Manae”, at the age of 15 and remained married for 57 years until Man's death on Feb. 27th, 2013. Their loving union resulted in the birth of three children: Dozene Guishard, Roosevelt Roberts Jr. (Junior), and Calvin Roberts.

Almeda spent all of her adult life in New York City after relocating from Baltimore. She retired in 2005 after 39 years at the New York City Board of Education as an Assistant Cook. Her career was spent at P.S. 81 located on Dekalb Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, where she also lived with her family.

In 1982, Almeda, her husband, and son Calvin moved to Staten Island where they purchased their home. Almeda and her husband remained there until their passing. She created a lifetime of friendship with neighbors John and Margaret Vento and other neighbors. 

She loved spending time with her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored. Almeda also loved her dogs, Sabrina and Pepper. In earlier years, she enjoyed traveling to the Bahamas, Canada, and New England with her husband and sister-in-law, later to Hawaii with her sisters, and to Aruba, California, Dominican Republic, and Venezuela with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. Also, she traveled along the historic Civil Rights trail in the South. She loved going to many family visits and reunions in Maryland where her sons live and to extended family in Virginia. 

Almeda helped to organize the volunteered tenant patrol in the apartment building on Gates Avenue also in Bedford-Stuyvesant. After she retired, Almeda volunteered at the local nursing home in Staten Island.

She was a devoted sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. Almeda was loved by her friends and neighbors in Staten Island. She loved to cook and was known for her famous sweet potato pies, potato salad, banana pudding, and ambrosia among many other favorite dishes.  In the summer months, Almeda and her husband would host the family BBQs in the backyard of their home. Her husband was the “fish fry master,” Almeda always had the side dishes to complete the meal. They were inseparable! 

Almeda was known for wearing her bling jewelry, loved perfume, manicured hands and feet, and was always well dressed! She was a caring person and always willing to help you.  

She fought a gallant fight throughout her illness surrounded by her loving family.  Almeda was a strong and hard-working woman always seeking the best for her family. She asked God for his loving mercy and grace. He answered her prayer and took her home on April 29th. She touched many lives during her lifetime and leaves a legacy of love and caring through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Almeda “Zeke” Roberts’s spirit and love is irreplaceable. She will truly be missed!! 

Almeda is survived by her sister Esther “Burnette” Scott, daughter Dozene Guishard and husband Kim Guishard, son Roosevelt Roberts Jr. and wife Renee Roberts, son Calvin Roberts and wife Elizabeth Roberts, and grandchildren: Brandon Guishard and his finance Maureen Cahill, Brianna Vixama and her husband Greg Vixama, and Courtnie Roberts. She leaves behind two great-grandsons Asher and Adler Vixama. Almeda was blessed with many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law Ernestine Gardner, Christine Turner, Shirley Jones, Alice Nelson, and brothers-in-law James Roberts and Cleveland Roberts.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Roberts' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mr.  Almeda Zeleta Roberts.

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

***TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY, 

 PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED**

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