Mary Elizabeth Roberts

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35

Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Roberts, 81, passed through the gates of heaven and into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 after an extended illness.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and great friend to many. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her, especially through her illness. Even in her last few and difficult years, she was regarded as the "Belle of the Hall" and a complete sweetheart to the caregivers who provided for her in assisted living and higher-skilled nursing facilities.

Libby was one of eight children-born January 22, 1943 in Kingsport, Tennessee to James Matthew Akers and Mary Mildred (Gray) Akers. She graduated from Ketron High School in 1960, and excelled in her academics. Libby performed so well in administrative and typing courses, she was recruited by the U.S. government to work at the Pentagon. However, her love of home in the Appalachian Mountains compelled her to remain, where she was a steadfast homemaker, providing a loving home for her family alongside her husband, Andrew D. Roberts, during their thirty-five years of marriage. She was a member of Sunnyside Baptist Church since 1972, and was an active participant during her time of good health.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew (Andy) D. Roberts, her parents James and Mary Akers, her brother James Akers, and her sisters, Hester Bright and Margaret Harper.

She is survived by her two children, Matthew Roberts and wife Jessica Roberts, and Beth Lingerfelt and husband Eric Shapiro; her grandchildren, Isaac, Judah, and Lydia Lingerfelt, and Lucy, Emma, and Jack Roberts; her sisters Elsie Wallen (and husband Charles), Evelyn Kidd (and husband Alan), Anne Cradic (and husband Ray), and Judy Johnson. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

Services will be conducted at 11am, Saturday, June 15th at Trinity Memorial Centers of Kingsport with visitation preceding at 10am. The Reverend David Guelzow will officiate the service.

There will be a private burial later at the Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, TN where Libby will be interred and reunited with husband, Andy.


Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family.