Crystal Roberts

A Legacy of Grace, Sacrifice, and Devotion

"Well done, good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

— Matthew 25:21

On this day, we do not merely mourn a departure; we celebrate a magnificent, triumphant life. We honor a woman of incomparable grace, intellect, and selfless love who walked among us, touched our souls, and has now returned to sit beside her Heavenly Father.

A Trailblazer of Grace and Ambition

Born in the mid-1950s, October 31st 1956, Crystal Roberts (Crissi), stepped into a world of immense change, carrying herself with a quiet dignity and a fierce, brilliant mind. As a young Black woman of her era, she met every societal hurdle with poise and unmatched excellence.

Her brilliance shone brightly at The Ohio State University, where she was crowned Homecoming Queen—a testament not only to her striking beauty, but to the warmth and magnetic spirit that drew everyone to her. Graduating with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, to carry on that momentum into the corporate world, climbing the ranks to become a Vice President at Bank One in Boston. By all worldly standards, she had reached the mountaintop of success, status, and accolades.

The Power of Surrender and Divine Purpose

Yet, as the worldly noise grew louder, she heard a higher calling. In an act of profound courage and faith, she chose to turn away from the empty chase of material wealth. While others spent their lives chasing money, buying houses, and striving for more than God intended, she chose a path of radical surrender, becoming a Children’s Ministry Director and teacher for much of her adult life.

She gave up her worldly titles and most of her possessions, choosing instead to anchor her life in God, family, and true meaning.

A Mother’s Boundless Sacrifice

To her, no corporate title could ever compare to the sacred calling of motherhood. She was fiercely committed to her family and her church. God blessed her with a very special son, and for 30 years, she "held it down" so that he could rise up. Their bond was unbreakable—an extraordinary partnership of love and mutual devotion where she stood by his side, and he by hers.

She sacrificed her own desires so that he could flourish, demonstrating a level of selflessness that is rarely seen in this world. Her adopted daughter, not by blood but re-la-tion, LaNita Ali, was like a daughter to Crystal, and a sister to Karia! She remained by Crystal’s side throughout. Crystal loved them both with a depth we all wish we could aspire to: to love, and to be loved in return, without limit.

A Call to Carry the Torch

Her passing leaves a gaping hole in our world. While Karia and so many others will long deeply for her physical presence, we know she is no longer bound by this earth.

Though she is gone, her mission is not over. It is now up to those of us left behind to do God’s will—to step up, pick up where she left off, and surround her beloved son with the unwavering love, support, and strength he needs to carry on.

The Homecoming

She was preceded in death by her loving ancestors, who paved the way for her journey, including:

• Granddad Josh Roberts
• Father Josh Roberts Jr
• Mother Lenora Roberts
• Brother Josh Roberts III
• Sister Birdena Roberts
• Nephew Keysson Bondurant
• Great Grandmother Birdie Beck
• Great Grandfather James Beck

She leaves behind a rich, living legacy of love, honor, and faith, including:

• Her beloved son, Karia Karia
• Her beloved daughter through mentorship, Lanita Ali
• Brother Jamie Roberts
• Nieces: Keyla Bondurant, Keyshia Bondurant, Avante Roberts, Jessika Roberts
• Nephews: James Roberts Jr. Evan Roberts, Josh Roberts IV, Jonathan Roberts,
• A host of cousins and extended family, church community members, and lifelong friends who will forever respect her honor, cherish her love, and miss her presence.

Service Information

• Date: Saturday July 18th, 2026
• Time: 10:00AM
• Location: Faith Tabernacle Church of God in Christ: 1783 E 23rd Ave
• Officiating: Pastor Dr. Paul Davis

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor her memory by committing an act of selfless service, hugging your loved ones a little tighter, and continuing her legacy of faith and devotion.