Obituary for Frances Joyce Roberts (Tresvant)
A Life Well Lived: Frances “Joyce” Roberts
Frances Joyce Roberts, daughter of Esther Staley and Hammie Tresvant, was born September 20, 1945, in their family home in the Deanwood area of Washington, D.C. Esther and Hammie were the proud parents of twelve children: Dorothy, Hammie Jr., Elizabeth, Wilbur, John, Loretta, Theresa, Alvin, Jewel, Aaron, and Loretta Ann. Frances preferred to be called Joyce by all, however in her early years she was affectionately called “Muffy” by her parents and eleven siblings. Joyce was the 9th child of 12. Joyce transitioned to her heavenly home on December 12, 2023.
As a young girl, Joyce attended D.C. Public Schools - Shad Elementary, Kelly Miller Junior High, and Spingarn High School, graduating in 1963. While in high school, she met the love of her life, Melvin Roberts and they married in 1969. Joyce and Melvin’s beautiful union was blessed with two children: Shaunté Lia and Melvin Edward II. Joyce was a dedicated wife, mother, and businesswoman for her entire life. She served as a federal government employee for 30+ years, starting at age 18 right out of high school, primarily working in the U.S. Department of Interior. Later, she served as a federal government contractor for nearly ten years at the Federal Aviation Administration.
Over the last few years, especially during Covid-19, Joyce became ill. She was diagnosed with dementia in 2020. Ultimately, Joyce passed away peacefully in bed surrounded by her loved ones.
Joyce was married for 41 years to her husband Melvin who preceded her in death in 2011. Joyce leaves to mourn her children: Shaunté Lia Roberts Parker, Melvin Edward Roberts II; her granddaughter, SeKai Parker; her beloved older son, Gregory Sanders; her living siblings: John Tresvant, Theresa White, Jewel Tresvant, and Loretta Anne Barnes; her devoted best friend of 69 years, Beverly Bland, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and co-workers. Joyce will truly be missed by all.
Frances Joyce Roberts, daughter of Esther Staley and Hammie Tresvant, was born September 20, 1945, in their family home in the Deanwood area of Washington, D.C. Esther and Hammie were the proud parents of twelve children: Dorothy, Hammie Jr., Elizabeth, Wilbur, John, Loretta, Theresa, Alvin, Jewel, Aaron, and Loretta Ann. Frances preferred to be called Joyce by all, however in her early years she was affectionately called “Muffy” by her parents and eleven siblings. Joyce was the 9th child of 12. Joyce transitioned to her heavenly home on December 12, 2023.
As a young girl, Joyce attended D.C. Public Schools - Shad Elementary, Kelly Miller Junior High, and Spingarn High School, graduating in 1963. While in high school, she met the love of her life, Melvin Roberts and they married in 1969. Joyce and Melvin’s beautiful union was blessed with two children: Shaunté Lia and Melvin Edward II. Joyce was a dedicated wife, mother, and businesswoman for her entire life. She served as a federal government employee for 30+ years, starting at age 18 right out of high school, primarily working in the U.S. Department of Interior. Later, she served as a federal government contractor for nearly ten years at the Federal Aviation Administration.
Over the last few years, especially during Covid-19, Joyce became ill. She was diagnosed with dementia in 2020. Ultimately, Joyce passed away peacefully in bed surrounded by her loved ones.
Joyce was married for 41 years to her husband Melvin who preceded her in death in 2011. Joyce leaves to mourn her children: Shaunté Lia Roberts Parker, Melvin Edward Roberts II; her granddaughter, SeKai Parker; her beloved older son, Gregory Sanders; her living siblings: John Tresvant, Theresa White, Jewel Tresvant, and Loretta Anne Barnes; her devoted best friend of 69 years, Beverly Bland, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and co-workers. Joyce will truly be missed by all.