Belva Ethelene Roberts, 87, of Brenton, WV, may have never worn a crown on this earth or had a wealth of earthly treasure. Her jewels weren’t that of diamonds or precious gems, but something far more precious, her family. On January 5, 2020, Ethelene stepped onto streets of gold and earned the crown far greater than what could have been received on earth, the crown of life.
Born May 15, 1932 to Margaret & Alex Warrix in Iaegar, WV, she was one of 12 siblings growing up in a coal camp. She enjoyed a simple life, but what she called a “good life”. She would spend her days making playhouses and using rocks and sticks for furniture. The playhouse floor was dirt, but she would always keep it swept clean anyway. From a small child, taking care of her “home”, the years passed and she met Luther J. Roberts. On January 21, 1950, she began to take care of her real home as a proud new bride. The home was full of love and began to grow as they welcomed three beautiful daughters to their family, Marcella, Delilah, and Lisa.
Raising their family in church, teaching them to love and serve the Lord, she began laying the foundation for the heritage that would be passed on from generation to generation. As the years passed and she became older and more frail in age, the Spirit of God within her only grew stronger. The many prayers that she would lay in bed and pray as she called out each one of her children and grandchildren’s name is still being echoed throughout eternity.
She enjoyed doing many things with her family. Any special occasion, you could always count on her being there, from birthdays, weddings, ballgames, and pageants… she was always there letting her family know how proud of them she was and how much she loved them. She enjoyed sharing her love of traveling with her family and shared special memories taking them on trips. When at home, she could be found sitting in her rocking chair crocheting baby blankets for her family, and anyone who entered Mamaw’s house never left hungry. All of these things, we all will treasure, but her prayers is what will continue to hold us together.
Ethelene has now joined others who preceded her to their eternal home including her parents, Margaret & Alex Warrix; sisters, Marie Bishop, Vivian Lester, Audrey Lester, and Truby Whitt; brothers, John Warrix, Douglas Warrix, Gary Warrix, and Ronnie Warrix; grandson Tony and wife Rochelle Cameron; a Great Grandchild Angel Baby; and a Great-Great Grandchild Angel Baby Bragg.
Her precious family left to carry on her legacy is daughters, Marcella (Travis) Lester, Delilah (Eddie) Cameron, and Melissa “Lisa” (Rodney) England; grandchildren, Cindy Boninsegna, James (Latoya) Lester, Michele (Jeff) Daniels, Amanda (Tim) Criner, and Gabriel (Crystina) England; Great Grandchildren, Zachary Butcher, Haley Butcher, Kendyl Ramseur, Courtney (Noah) Searls, Trevor (Racquel) Daniels, Isaac Daniels, Makayla (Marvin) Bragg, Elijah Cameron, Noah Cameron, LaBryant Nichols, Gaebriel White, Kaylee Criner, Braelyn Criner, Rylan Criner, Isaiah England, and Christian England; Great-Great Grandchildren Isabella Rochelle Nichols, and Ariah Nichols; sister, Hulda Oyler; and brothers, Bobby (Evelyn) Warrix, and Jerry Warrix.
Friends and Family will celebrate her home at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 10, at Brenton Church of God with the Rev. Rodney England, Rev. Tommy Knotts, and Rev. Frederick Fischer officiating.
Burial will follow at Paris Lester Cemetery in Ikes Fork.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 PM Thursday, January 9 at Brenton Church of God, Brenton, WV. The
Fanning Funeral Home in Iaegar is in charge of the arrangements.