Roberta Weathers, 95

Jessie Roberta Gardner Weathers, daughter of the late Rev. Robert A. Gardner and Jessie Bridges Gardner, went home to be with her Lord on May 19, 2025. In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard Gardner and William Gardner.

Born April 26, 1930, in Indianapolis, IN, Roberta was a graduate of Mars Hill College, Furman University, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Appalachian State University. She held advanced degrees in early childhood education, and she dedicated her life to teaching young children in the Forsyth County Schools. She also taught early childhood education at Forsyth Community College and contributed to a textbook used by educators.

The most important thing to her was her faith in Jesus Christ. She loved the Bible and read and studied it throughout her life. She taught Bible studies and Sunday School classes, particularly mentoring single moms. She jotted Bible verses on note pads and scraps of paper, tucking them in books and stacking them throughout her home. When she was able, she was an active and avid church member, enjoyed music, and sang in the choir. Her final church home was the First Baptist Church of Shallotte, NC.

Next to her Lord, Roberta was devoted to her family. She navigated the seasons of single-parenting three boys with love, determination, and dedication, raising them to be men who follow Christ. She was committed to fostering family traditions for her grandchildren, especially at Christmas, each year packing shoe boxes for Samaritan’s Purse, reading the Christmas story from Luke 2, and singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.

She is survived by her sons Bailey Graham Weathers (Sue) of Brighton, MI, David Gardner Weathers (Rosemary) of Winston-Salem, NC, and Rev. Robert Alfred Weathers (Kim) of Shallotte, NC., six grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren.

Roberta’s family would like to express appreciation to the wonderful CarePros and staff of Winston-Salem Home Instead, of Yellow Butterfly Home Care, especially Megan Favre, and of Trellis Supportive Care.

The family will gather for a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Operation Christmas Child of Samaritan’s Purse https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/roberta-gardner-weathers-winston-salem-nc/ ; Trellis Supportive Care in Winston-Salem, 101 Hospices Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103; or First Baptist Church of Shallotte Missions Fund, 4486 Main Street, Shallotte, NC 28470.

Washburn & Dorsey Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.