Wilmer Lois Roberts

Beloved, lifelong Pascagoula resident, Wilmer Lois Bosarge Roberts, peacefully left this Earth and joined her heavenly family July 5 th , 2023 after a fulfilling 101-year life. Born May 14 th , 1922, to M.R. “Jody” Bosarge and Daisy Inez Williams Bosarge, Lois was the eldest of nine children. Growing up in Pascagoula,she was active in her school and church. She pointed with pride to the fact that her PHS Class of 1941 was the first to attend all three years at the “new” high school, on South Pascagoula St. Her academic
skills earned her membership in the Beta Club and her sewing skills in the Future Homemakers Club earned her a trip to Mississippi State to compete in a regional contest. On that fortuitous school trip in 1938, Lois met the love of her life, Spencer Roberts. They married on May 23, 1942 and enjoyed 51 years of marital bliss until Spencer’s passing in 1993.

Lois was a devoted wife, mother, doting grandmother and loving great grandmother to her family. Together Lois and Spencer raised 3 rambunctious boys in Pascagoula, all of whom graduated from Mississippi’s major university system: two from Ole Miss and one from the University of Southern Mississippi. They never missed a ballgame, concert or play. Always supporting her three sons’ activities, Lois became known for her delicious gumbo dinner fundraisers. There was never a need or cause involving her sons or church to which she did not contribute. The rights and responsibilities of citizenship were deeply important to Lois. She liked to point out that she had voted in every presidential election since 1943. She regularly served as a poll worker in the
1960s and 70s and also helped with voter registration. When she was called to serve on a jury, Lois proudly did her civic duty.

For many years Lois indulged Spencer’s love of camping. They enjoyed many trips together traveling around the south and the far west. In particular, they had a deep love for Colorado. Although tent camping was not really something she enjoyed, Lois put aside her own feelings and helped Spencer pursue his passion.

Spencer and Lois joined Eastlawn United Methodist Church in 1948. Eastlawn and the many friends they had there were at the heart of their existence for the next 65 years. Lois played many roles in the church but among her most cherished experiences were teaching Sunday school and vacation Bible school, singing in the choir, and visiting shut-ins. After Spencer’s passing in 1993, Lois was deeply involved in Broken Wings, an organization that provided support to widows and widowers.

For the final years of her life, Lois chose to live at River Chase Village in Gautier, where she was lovingly cared for by the dedicated staff. They loved her and she loved them. Lois was known informally to one and all as the Queen of River Chase, a title she richly deserved.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her dearest husband, Spencer; her eldest son, Ronnie; daughter-in-law Carlene Copeland Roberts; three grandsons, Mathew, Mark, and Ryan Roberts; and her siblings Roy Bosarge Jr., Betty Hines, Leslie Bosarge, Nell Hamilton, and Joe Melvin Bosarge. She is survived by her sons, Bruce of Woolmarket and Ricky (Kathy) of Pascagoula; daughter-in-law Gayle Roberts of Ocean Springs, her brothers Robert Bosarge of D’Iberville and Terry Bosarge (Pat) of Orange Beach, and sister Brenda Divine (Earl) of Fairhope, AL; four grandchildren Bruce Lee Roberts, Jr. (Teresa) of Woolmarket, Destry Roberts (JoAnna) of Orlando, Luke Spencer Roberts of Los Angeles, CA, and Hope
Roberts of Bristol, UK; four great-grandchildren Bruce Roberts III of Woolmarket, Elizabeth Roberts of Woolmarket, Jackson Roberts of Orlando and Jacob Roberts of Orlando; bonus grandsons, Bernard Deets (Priscilla), and Russel Deets; bonus great granddaughter, Nora Deets; and dozens of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

The family of Lois Roberts wishes to thank the staff of River Chase Village for all the love and care they extended to our mother. We also want to thank Notre Dame Hospice who insured our mother’s final months were dignified and pain free.

The funeral will take place Wednesday July 12, at Eastlawn United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00am. The funeral service will begin at 11:00pm with Rev. Nance Hixon officiating. Interment will be at Machpelah Cemetery. Pallbears will be Bruce Roberts Jr., Bruce Roberts III, Roy Bosarge Jr., Robert C. Bosarge Jr., Bernard Deets, and Robert Capers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Eastlawn United Methodist Church Memorial Fund in Pascagoula.

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