Rev. James Roberson

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

Reverend James E. Roberson, age 88, was born on May 30, 1937, in Hickman, Kentucky, to the late Eugene and L.C. Roberson. He was one of six children and was raised in a home built on faith, hard work, and family values. From an early age, he learned integrity, responsibility, and service, principles that remained with him throughout his life.

He confessed Christ at an early age and began his Christian journey at Johnson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where he later served faithfully as a deacon for 17 years. It was there that his ministry began, one that would span more than seventy years of preaching, teaching, praying, and serving God’s people.

On May 31, 1958, he was united in holy matrimony to his sweetheart, Bernice Booker, and together they shared 63 years of love, faith, and devotion. To this union, five children were born.

He accepted the call to pastor and became the full-time pastor of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for 24 years, from 1989 until his retirement in 2013. One of his favorite hymns, Amazing Grace, was often sung before he preached, and it remained a reflection of his testimony: “Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come.”

His ministry extended beyond church walls. For eight years, he served in the jail ministry, baptizing over 75 men and women behind prison walls. He ministered at high school Baccalaureate Services, counseled couples before marriage, officiated weddings, performed baptisms, and walked families through grief and restoration. He was known far and wide as a prayer warrior, teacher, encourager, and servant of God.

Rev. Roberson also gave his life in service to the wider community. He was honored as Hickman Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1995 and 2001. On February 26, 1995, he received the Community Service Award from the Black History Club. He was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky, on March 24, 1994, and again on October 4, 2019, in recognition of his years of service.

On October 12, 2019, his legacy was permanently honored when the City of Hickman dedicated a street in his name: Rev. J. Roberson Way.

He proudly served the West Kentucky Green Valley District Association for over 30 years. Committed to biblical study, he earned his Certificate in Christian Ministry from Mid-Continent College on December 13, 2003. His life and experiences were also recognized academically. In 1997, he was interviewed by the University of Kentucky, where he shared his story of African American farming, ministry, and rural life.

Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Roberson was a man of work and heart. He worked at Sigri for several years and later owned and operated his own car wash, where people came for clean cars but left with encouragement, counsel, and sometimes tears. He loved tending his garden, planting seeds in the soil just as he planted hope in the lives of others. When he was not in the garden, at church, or visiting someone in need, he enjoyed spending time with his family and watching University of Kentucky basketball, cheering on his beloved Wildcats with passion and pride.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bernice Booker Roberson; his parents, Eugene and L.C. Roberson; his daughter, Cynthia Diane Wilson; his son, James “Jimmy” Roberson; three brothers, Odell, Lamon, and Raymond Roberson; and two sisters, Lenell White and Ella Mae Winters.

He leaves to cherish and carry on his legacy two daughters, Marilyn Bell and Marcia (Edward) Deberry, and one son, Mark (Christine) Roberson; eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, along with family and friends who loved him dearly.

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

Rev. James Roberson lived a life of steadfast faith, quiet strength, and selfless service. He touched generations through his ministry, his prayers, his wisdom, and his example. Though his earthly journey has ended, his influence lives on in the lives he touched, the seeds he planted, and the Word he preached.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Matthew 25:21

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Johnson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Hickman City Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday at the church.

McPhearson-Rawls Funeral Home - Union City 731-885-8110