Roberta Booth

Deaconess Roberta Booth, affectionately known as Mom, BB, Bert, GaGa, and Smokey, went home to be with the Lord on June 26, 2025.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, on August 5, 1952, Roberta was the beloved daughter of James L. Kelley Sr, of Manchester, GA and Corine Kelley of Atlanta, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Charley Booth Jr.; her grandmother, Louise Wynn; her parents, James L. Kelley Sr. and Corine Kelley; and her sister, Marion Chunn.

Roberta's legacy lives on through her loving daughters, Chara Booth-Rice (Stephen) and Latonia Booth; her brothers, Pastor James L. Kelley Jr. (Jocelyn) and Willie F Kelley (Cynthia), and brother in law Pastor Ronald Chunn Sr. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Sedarrian Booth, De'Ante Booth, Javon Booth, Joshua McCoy, Alonzo Booth (Kennedy Debord-Booth), Jaimee Booth, Kayla Napper, Malachi Rice, and Jaiyana Rice, as well as her great-grandchildren: Dwight Reeves Jr., Maverick Booth, Elizabeth McCoy, Ezrieal McCoy, Alonzo Booth Jr., Jayse Martin, and Mattox Rice. She will be deeply missed by her Goddaughter, MaeLe’a Banks, her special niece, Anika Chunn-Adams (Mark), and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends.

Roberta was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, Godmother, aunt, and friend. Most importantly, she was a true elect of our Father in Heaven. She grew up in the church and dedicated many years of service as a Deaconess at Burnside Baptist Church, touching countless lives with her unwavering faith and kindness.

Beyond her spiritual contributions, Roberta was a graduate from East High School in Columbus, Ohio. Roberta was a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating her own catering business. She also served as a head chef at Oakleaf Village and was a long-time employee and retiree of Columbus City Schools. Additionally, she worked as a Juvenile Corrections Officer at Riverview and Scioto Corrections Facilities in Ohio, where she became a surrogate mother and grandmother to many youths.

Her light on earth shone brightly, characterized by a giving spirit and the kindest heart. She fought the good fight, kept the faith, and finished her course. To God be the Glory; she has earned her crown. We will miss her greatly, and she will remain in our hearts and on our minds until we one day meet again.