A beautiful life of love came to a close on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, when John Oliver Roberts answered the Master's call in Flint, Mich.

John was born in Gaffney on Jan. 13, 1914, to Oliver and Janie Roberts. At the age of 12, he accepted Christ and joined Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church, where he served faithfully for 76 years. He was a member of the Sunday School, a Sunday School teacher, pastor's steward, financial officer and choir member.

He was a graduate of Granard High School. As a young man, he and his younger brother, along with two other young men, formed a quartet called the "Dixie Four," and were the first black group to appear on the radio in Spartanburg. In 1935, he married Grace Coleman and to this union was born three children, John III, Donald and Katherine. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage before her death in March, 1987.

John worked in the furniture industry as a delivery man, truck driver and shipping clerk for 44 years, retiring in 1979 at the age of 65.

After the passing of his beloved wife, he continued to make his home in Gaffney for several years. In 2002, he moved to Capitol Heights, Md., to be with his children and grandchildren. His care was shared by his family in Maryland and Flint, Mich.

While in Maryland, he became a member of First Baptist Church of Highland Park Senior Members Center in June 2002. He looked forward to the fellowship, activities, outings, games, Bible study and Wednesday noon services. On Jan. 11, 2004, he joined Friendship Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., under watchcare where he faithfully worshiped with his family. He received a "Star Award" for inspiring others and contributing to the men's ministry of the church. He often spent time with his son, John, in Flint, Mich. While there, he enjoyed attending worship services and church events as well as traveling to family reunions and other places.

John's hobbies were watching baseball, the news and game shows on TV; reading the Bible, newspapers and comics; and eating candy and desserts. He loved to tell his childhood and family stories and give his chronology of the "13"' to anyone who would lend an ear. He was an avid gardener and loved to share his bounty with neighbors and friends.

He leaves to cherish loving memories two sons, John III (Emma) and Donald (Sonia); a daughter, Katherine (Freddie); eight grandchildren; 13 greatgrandchildren; and two greatgreat grandchildren; two sister in-laws, Alice Ratchford Humphries of Gaffney and Minnie Harden (Henry) of Flint, Mich.

Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, at 1 p.m. at Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Gaffney with the Rev. J. Michael Little officiating and the Rev. Ronnie Meeks delivering the eulogy. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday from 7-8 p.m. at The Gilmore Mortuary.