Mr. Gerald David Roberson

*In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to www.gofundme.com/robersoncollege. His Journey: Gerald David Roberson was born on July 11, 1960 in Detroit Michigan to the late Robert Vernal Roberson and Nora Pearl Roberson. He grew up in Inkster, Michigan and went to several different schools because of the bussing and rerouting of school districts. He began his love for sports, education and grooming himself at a very young age. While fine-tuning his skills in sports, he always played to win! In his eyes, losing was not an option. He practiced continually until he got it and then he practiced some more. He was the same with his education. Gerald grew up loving sports. His passion was watching it, playing it and also coaching it. He participated in baseball, basketball, football and even a little hockey. He was most proud of playing on the starting line-up of his high school basketball team, the Belleville Tigers and his college team, the GMI Pacers. These extracurricular activities didn't affect his scholastic studies. He was an A student and an honor student throughout all of his education. During his senior year at Belleville High School, something quite unexpectedly happened. Gerald was sitting and waiting for class to start. A young lady, who bet a Snickers bar on a prank, came up from behind him and slapped him on the back of the head messing up that perfect Afro he always had. She continued to walk to the front of the class to retrieve her Snickers bar. She had won the bet… The courtship began. He graduated from Belleville High School in 1978 with highest honors then attended GMI in Flint, Michigan where he graduated with a Bachelor of Industrial Administration. He also attend Lawrence Technological University and received his Master of Business Administration. Although he was baptized at age 11, college is where he gave his life to the Lord. It was during the time of him getting ready to graduate that on February 14, 1983 Gerald asked me to be his wife. On August 13, 1983, Theresa D. Fountaine and Gerald D. Roberson were joined in holy matrimony in Ypsilanti, Michigan in church. Pastor Henry J. Healy officiated the ceremony. To this union Gerald adopted Eric Dwight and 3 children were born; Robert David, Ryan Daniel and his precious April Diamond. While living in Fishkill, New York, his passion for the bass guitar would be born. After talking and praying with our pastor, Gerald went out and purchased a bass and begin taking lessons. He played in the church in Michigan and he played at the church in Ohio. He took a step of faith and purchased the bass guitar of his dreams and was able to perform with the Cornerstone Church Choir. He played on one of their many albums with Israel Houghton. He retired playing the bass guitar after the birth of our twins. In 1983, he started his career with General Motors in Warren. Michigan as an Account Manager. From there, we moved to Fishkill, New York. He was a District Service Manager. Then he became a District Sales Manager moving us back to Michigan, then Ohio vesting a total of 38 years with the company and we made friends all along the way. We now reside in Evansville, Indiana. He loved his Detroit Tigers, Lions, Red Wings and the Michigan Wolverines. No matter what state we lived in, he followed them every step of the way. His other pastime was golf. His most loved and favorite love was his family. He would rise each morning, praying for his day in the bathroom and carry it on to his office. At night, he would kneel by our bed and pray before lying down to go to sleep. He truly was my mighty warrior. Gerald’s legacy would be his passion for Christ. He walked, worked and lived out the word of God on a daily basis teaching his children to wake up and first thing would be to read the word for the day. He was able to see all of his children receive Christ into their lives and all being baptized. He attended Robert’s short term in football, fervently guided Ryan in soccer making sure to be with him at every game and practice while taking pictures. He was, at one point in time, the only father at his daughter's gymnastics practice and was very proud of each one of them. He poured all he had into them always telling them to do your best that’s all I ask. To them he was the best father. It is with deep sadness that on August 5, 2016 Gerald went home to be with the Lord, I thank God for your life and the legacy you have left. I will forever cherish the memories of the care, concern, godly advice, and calls over the years. That distinctive voice and deep laughter is silent for now, but it's comforting to know you live on in Christ!

Mr. Gerald David Roberson

July 11, 1960 - August 5, 2016