Geraldine “Jeri” S. Roberts

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her devoted husband, Horace Roberts, and two aunts: Ruth Murphy and Pearl Coleman of California.

From an early age, there was never a time when she was not involved with music. She especially enjoyed performing with high school and college instrumental and vocal groups.

Jeri Ruth was selected by her high school and college classmates as the Most Talented female senior superlative. She graduated from Western Carolina University with a B.S. degree with a concentration in Music Education K-12. She taught school in western North Carolina and Lodi, California.

As a strong Christian, she loved church work and the church family. She was a member of Little Brasstown Baptist Church, but had served several years as Choir Director and organist of Bellview Church.

She directed and accompanied the Cherokee County Community Choir, an interfaith group composed of members from the tri-state area. Additionally, she organized and directed the annual Gospel Song Festival of Choirs.

Being deeply devoted to animal welfare, she previously served as President and Vice President of the local humane society.

She had received recognition from local civic groups for her many capacities of volunteer work and outstanding community service.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 2, 2025 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Revs. Aud Brown and Richard Roberson officiating. The interment was at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Murphy. Pallbearers were Terry Hatchett, John Evans, Hugh Carringer, Harry Mull, Kelly Hopkins, and John Hatchett.