Cleve E. Roberson

Cleve Eddie Roberson, 90, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026 and was surrounded by his loving family. Born in Baxley Georgia, he was the eldest son of Edward (Ed) Roberson and Mary Lewis.

Cleve was a peaceful, spiritually, morally grounded family man with a big smile and an exceptionally kind heart. He enlisted in the military at the tender age of sixteen, served during the Korean War and in Germany where he was an Armor Crewmember, US Army, Special Operations. Although he earned a modest income, as the eldest son--he intentionally helped to support his parents and siblings throughout his deployment and beyond. His favorite saying, "there is no such word as can't--you can do anything you put your mind to" and he did just that. While in the military, he took advantage of any and all opportunities to perfect the many talents and gifts his mother and father taught him; plumbing, electrical, carpentry, farming, roofing, culinary, automotive, business and many, many more. 

He was readily known as a "Jack of All Trades". Subsequent to successfully serving in the military and traveling the world, he received an honorable discharge. To ensure financial stability in his early years for his future family, he worked three jobs; cross country truck driver (18-wheeler), factory worker, building maintenance and was consistently recognized for his supreme work ethic. Which led to a position working at the infamous World Trade Center in Building Maintenance Operations in New York City, where he would retire from in his later years. Cleve was a successful business owner and entrepreneur. He owned and operated a professional building cleaning service, well known Southern Caribbean restaurant "Island in The Harbor", and commercial and residential rental properties in Staten Island, New York for several years. 

Cleve was a true servant leader. He faithfully served as a Deacon at Good Hope Missionary Church, Staten Island New York and is highly recognized as one of the original founding members, whose unwavering commitment sustained the church in great and small ways. After retirement, he relocated back to his hometown of Baxley, Georgia where he continued to serve in the role as Deacon at First African Baptist Church. In his retirement years, you could find Cleve studying the bible, supporting his home church and community, traveling, visiting his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, fishing, repairing classic cars, planting his enormous vegetable garden on his land, renovating his home, cooking and just enjoying the fruits of his labor. He also enjoyed listening to gospel music, watching gospel television programs, westerns, sports, especially football, wrestling and boxing. He was a huge fan of the Negro Leagues, with an affinity for knowing the entire history. He considered "boiled peanuts" his delicacy and would always bring these and other vegetables from his garden along for his children when he visited them up North. His love of farm animals, chickens, hogs, pigs and dogs was evidenced by the fact that he owned quite a few. Horses were his absolute favorite animal..."a white stallion that could run with lighting speed"

Cleve was preceded in death by his first wife Margaret "Polly" Roberson and his beloved eldest daughter Gladys "Cynthia" Roberson.

He is survived by his cherished children from his first marriage; Joann Roberson, Cleve Roberson Jr. (wife Candace) and Terry Roberson. His second wife Peggy (Peg) Roberson and cherished children; Deirdria Roberson, Jacquelyn Roberson, Michelle Roberson and Michael Roberson (wife Shantel Roberson). Twelve (12) Grandchildren; Yazmen Roberson, Jasmin Roberson (wife Jenny), Gladys Roberson, Margaret Roberson, Tiffany Roberson, Ethan Roberson, Alicia Griffin, Chloe Reynolds (husband William), Chelsea Smith, Michael Roberson Jr., Jalen Roberson, Elijah Roberson.Twenty-One (21) Great Grandchildren; Zaiid Bellino, Zadira Otivich, Londyn Eaddy, Logan Gary, Taraji Thergood, Tajh Thergood, Tyson Thergood, Tristan Taylor, Orane Steer, Samiyah Steer, Kishon DeJesus, Talia Roberson, Romeo Roberson (deceased), Demaree Roberson, Tremell Roberson, Taleah Roberson, Alyssa Landy, Calvin Landy, Trinity Reynolds, Elijah Reynolds, William Reynolds, Jr.He is also survived by his sisters and brothers; EddieMae Roberson, Betty Roberson, Rosa Roberson, Johnny Roberson, Dennis Roberson, James Roberson and host of nieces and nephews. As well as, an expansive loving network of extended family, friends and church members.