Centenarian Mother Alva Roberts Dies; Wife of COGIC Leader

The Journal of Gospel Music was saddened to learn of the passing of Mother Alva Johnson Roberts, who transitioned from labor to reward on April 18.  She was 101 years old.

Mother Roberts was the first lady of “Brother” Isaiah Roberts, noted Church of God in Christ pastor, popular radio announcer, and Vee Jay Records recording artist.   Her father-in-law was Bishop William Roberts, who helped establish the COGIC church in Chicago in the early part of the twentieth century.  It was at Roberts Temple COGIC that Emmitt Till, whose violent murder helped spark the modern civil rights movement, was waked.

Our deepest sympathies to the Roberts Family on the loss of their matriarch, and a simply lovely lady.  Homegoing information is below: