| Martha Avanelle Gazley Roberts |
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Published in The Washington Post on Mar. 28, 2021.
Martha A. Roberts (Age 93)
1927 - 2021
Of Frankford, Delaware formerly of Franconia, Virginia
passed away at her residence on March 20, 2021
surrounded by her loving family.
Born on September 14, 1927 in Little Rock, Arkansas to
the late Maurice Gazley and Nell (Sanders) Gazley.
Martha, also known as Avanelle, relocated to the
Washington, DC area and graduated from McKinley Tech High School (1945) and attended
the University of Maryland.
In Washington, she met and married the love of her life, the late Reginald Harley Roberts and
together they shared 61 years of marriage. Martha's greatest joy in life was her family. She was
a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was involved with the United Methodist Women
in Franconia United Methodist Church and Saint Matthews By-the-Sea in Fenwick Island.
Avanelle was a longtime volunteer in reading programs for children. Avanelle and Reginald
volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 30 plus years.
Avanelle is preceded in death by her sister, Mary Wilson, daughter-in-law, Patti Jo Roberts and
two grandchildren, Jonathon Roberts and Maria Roberts.
Avanelle is survived by six children, Reggie Roberts and Rhonda of Vienna, VA, Kevin Roberts
and Noella of NC, Glenn Roberts and Judy of Frankford, DE, Mark Roberts and Christy of
Annapolis, MD, Martha Tisdale and Douglas of Mesa, AZ and Karen Wallenburg and Veronica
of Millsboro, DE. Martha is also survived by 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Avanelle will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her husband.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com
.
Martha A. Roberts (Age 93)
1927 - 2021
Of Frankford, Delaware formerly of Franconia, Virginia
passed away at her residence on March 20, 2021
surrounded by her loving family.
Born on September 14, 1927 in Little Rock, Arkansas to
the late Maurice Gazley and Nell (Sanders) Gazley.
Martha, also known as Avanelle, relocated to the
Washington, DC area and graduated from McKinley Tech High School (1945) and attended
the University of Maryland.
In Washington, she met and married the love of her life, the late Reginald Harley Roberts and
together they shared 61 years of marriage. Martha's greatest joy in life was her family. She was
a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was involved with the United Methodist Women
in Franconia United Methodist Church and Saint Matthews By-the-Sea in Fenwick Island.
Avanelle was a longtime volunteer in reading programs for children. Avanelle and Reginald
volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 30 plus years.
Avanelle is preceded in death by her sister, Mary Wilson, daughter-in-law, Patti Jo Roberts and
two grandchildren, Jonathon Roberts and Maria Roberts.
Avanelle is survived by six children, Reggie Roberts and Rhonda of Vienna, VA, Kevin Roberts
and Noella of NC, Glenn Roberts and Judy of Frankford, DE, Mark Roberts and Christy of
Annapolis, MD, Martha Tisdale and Douglas of Mesa, AZ and Karen Wallenburg and Veronica
of Millsboro, DE. Martha is also survived by 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Avanelle will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her husband.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com
.
