Eddie Roberson

Eddie Lee Roberson (Johnny) was born on June 6, 1945 in Savannah Georgia to Naomi McCoullum (nee’ Sapp) and Lester Roberson, Sr. He moved to the Bronx, NY with his older brother and his wife (Lester Roberson Jr. and Ella Roberson) at 16 for a fresh start during Jim Crow.Eddie served in the army as a Corporal from 1966 to 1969. He also attended Black Studies classes at Medgar Evers College (now a part of City University of New York), which fueled his knowledge of learning. This was passed through many generations. His children, grandchildren, and beyond inherited his love for learning.Eddie met Judith Roberson (nee Blackwell) in 1964 and that resulted in beautiful children (Marcus Roberson and Jovan Roberson). Eddie also had a loving best friend, Jeanette Williams and they shared two children (Troy Williams and Sean Roberson).Eddie met his life partner, Jacqueline Roberson, in 1967 while working at Beth Israel Hospital in New York City. They shared life together for 54 years and shared children: Troy Williams, Khadija Diop, Robert Roberson, Marcus Roberson , Sean Roberson and Naomi Roberson. They lived in Harlem (3333 Broadway!) until moving to Teaneck, New Jersey.In 1994, Eddie, Jackie and Naomi moved to Grand Rapids, MI. There Eddie made many friends and connections through his more than 20 year career at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI.He is preceded in death by his mother, Naomi McCoullom (nee Sapp); siblings, Lester Roberson Jr. (Ella Roberson), Cornelia Ward (affectionately known as Kitty), Charles Roberson (affectionately known as Timmy) and son, Troy Williams. Left to celebrate his life are his loving wife, Jackie Roberson (nee Ward); the mothers of his children, Jeanette Williams and Judith Roberson (nee Blackwell); children, Khadijah Diop (Regina Ward), Robert Roberson, Marcus Roberson, Sean Roberson, and Naomi Roberson Reid (Michael Reid); many surrogate and spiritual children, 11 nieces and nephews, 22 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his Springfield, MA family, The Westbrooks (aunt Martha, and cousins Angela, Kim, Jerome, etc) and the Jeffreys as well as Savannah, GA Family, The Wards.Eddie’s celebration of life will be held on January 17, 2025, at Home Sweet Harlem (1528 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10031). Flowers and cards may be sent to the address provided.Eddie’s legacy of love and learning will continue to inspire all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn his loss.

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