Martha A. Roberts, devoted to family

Martha A. Roberts, 93, of Frankford, formerly of Franconia, Va., passed away at her residence Saturday, March 20, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Sept. 14, 1927, in Little Rock, Ark., to the late Maurice Gazley and Nell (Sanders) Gazley. Martha, also known as Avanelle, relocated to the Washington, D.C. area and graduated from McKinley Tech High School and attended the University of Maryland. In

D.C., she met and married the love of her life, the late Reginald Harley Roberts, and together they shared 61 years of marriage.

Martha’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was involved with the United Methodist Women in Franconia United Methodist Church and Saint Matthews By-the-Sea in Fenwick Island. Avanelle was a longtime volunteer in reading programs for children. Avanelle and Reginald volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 30-plus years.

Avanelle is preceded in death by her sister, Mary Wilson; daughter-in-law Patti Jo Roberts; and two grandchildren, Jonathon Roberts and Maria Roberts.

Avanelle is survived by six children, Reggie Roberts and Rhonda of Vienna, Va., Kevin Roberts and Noella of North Carolina, Glenn Roberts and Judy of Frankford, Mark Roberts and Christy of Annapolis, Md., Martha Tisdale and Douglas of Mesa, Ariz., and Karen Wallenburg and Veronica of Millsboro. Martha is also survived by 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Avanelle will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her husband.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.