Doris Anne Watson Roberts
Doris Anne Watson Roberts, beloved wife, mother, and friend, died July 23, 2015, after a long and rich life marked by faith, courage, service, and compassion. Her name is written on the hearts of hundreds of people whose lives she touched in many ways. Her spirit lives on in those who knew her as mother, sister, grandmother, friend, and neighbor.
She was born Nov. 8, 1926, in Knoxville, TN., where she grew up. She graduated from Knoxville High School. She married Eugene Dale Roberts in 1948. They were married for 60 years. They had two children, Eugene Dale Roberts, Jr., and Mary Anne Roberts Squire.
She was devoted to her family. She encouraged her children to pursue their dreams.
Doris served quietly, behind the scenes. Friends found in her a sympathetic ear, a generous spirit, and an open heart. She was proud to live for 50 years in a neighborhood with true neighbors, people who watched out for each other and cared about each other through decades and across generations.
Doris and her husband, Gene, were founding members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and long-time members of Tyner United Methodist Church, where she was active in the Sarah Circle.
She enjoyed embroidery, quilting, and other kinds of needlework. She loved growing roses and sharing them with others.
She inspired many with her courage in the face of the long illness she faced with faith, dignity, and hope.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Dale Roberts; her parents, Charles L. Watson and Nan E. Watson; her brother, Charles L. Watson, Jr.; her sister, Margaret (Peggy) Sartin, and her son-in-law, the Rev. Phillip M. Squire.
She is survived by her daughter, Mary Anne Roberts Squire, of Clemmons, NC; her son, Eugene Dale Roberts, Jr.; daughter-in-law Kaki Roberts; and grandson, Jody, of Asheville, NC; sister Mary E. (Tommie) Solomon, and many nieces and nephews.
The Roberts family is grateful to Dr. Mark Heinsohn and to the staff at Hospice of Chattanooga and Alexian Village. The family is especially grateful to Joseph Weiss, Marisa Moyers, Rita Cardin, Paul and Alma Cramer, Margaret Puchala, and Kim Claiborne.
A celebration of her life will be held at Tyner United Methodist Church on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends at the church immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Care Bears of Tyner United Methodist Church, 6805 Standifer Gap Rd. Chattanooga, TN or, in honor of grandson Jody, to Special Olympics, P.O. Box 41289, Memphis, TN 38174-1289.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Please share your thoughts and memories at
www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.