James Fitzgerald Roberts

The high-spirited and charismatic soul of James Fitzgerald Roberts was born on April 27, 1968 to James E. Roberts and Mary Jean Davis Roberts. He attended school in Arkadelphia, and was a 1987 graduate of Arkadelphia High School. He excelled in baseball and football. He grew up to be a handsome and talented young man. It was there he created lasting friendships with faculty and students alike. “Mainy”, as he was known by family and friends, married Nikki Berthia and to this union three children Martika, Thaddeus and Alicia. Although their marriage ended they remained good friends that produced a loving environment for their children. He worked as a millworker at the International Paper Company in Gurdon for several years.Mainy united with the Mt. Canaan Baptist Church on Sunday, January 11, 2015 under the leadership of Rev. Johnny C. Harris. He always enjoyed Christian fellowship and was an active participant of the Wednesday night Men’s Bible Study Group and Sunday morning worship. He was a “just do it” type of guy who made himself available. He enjoyed family “get-togethers” and being in the company of his close friends. His greatest joy was spending time with his granddaughter whom he called his “mini-me”. He was the “Facebook King” he loved to post pictures and quotes; he liked every comment and post. He also kept up with family and friends. He enjoyed watching sports, old school, as well as, gospel music. Family, as well as friends, will miss his strength, smile and love, but will never forget his spirit and laughter. Surrounded by his family, he passed into the Lord’s embrace on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. “Mainy” was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jean Davis Roberts (June 12, 1993), as well as, his grandparents, Roosevelt “Yobi” Davis, Sr., and Jo Ella Davis, Lee Roberts and Mary Thornton Roberts. He leaves a legacy of love to his children, Martika S. Roberts of Arkadelphia; Thaddeus F. Roberts of Arkadelphia; and Alicia N. Roberts of Little Rock; the mother of his children and friend, Nikki Roberts of Arkadelphia; his “mini me” and beloved granddaughter, Hayden Lei’Ann E. Roberts of Arkadelphia; his father, James E. “Sidney” Roberts (Judy Carol) of Arkadelphia; two brothers, Anthony “Keity” Roberts (Marketta) of Little Rock, Joshua Ayers of Camden, AR; five sisters, Dana Craig of Arkadelphia, Pansy Jackson (Willie) of Arkadelphia, Tiffany Bullock (Andre) of Arkadelphia, Kellie Harris of Arkadelphia; and LaToya Roberts Malone (Preston) of Little Rock; a special friend, Tonya “Diddy” Knox of Arkadelphia; uncles, Roosevelt “Chuck” Davis (Sylvia) of Gum Springs and Bennie Jones (Gweneva) of Arkadelphia; aunts, Berta Stephens of Hot Springs and Rena Mae Davis Burroughs of Ypsilanti, MI. He also leaves to mourn his loss a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; special friends, Reginald “Bubba” Brim, Anthony Howell and Eric “E.D.” Davis and many friends. There will be a home going celebration for Mainy on Saturday, April 9, 2016, at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Johnny C. Harris, eulogist. The body will lie in repose at 12 noon until service time. Public visitation will be held on Friday, April 8, 2016 from 12 noon until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Piney Grove Cemetery following the repast.