of Palestine, AR

March 1, 1941 - January 1, 2018

Willetta was born on March 1, 1941 to Lula Bell Stanton Roberts and Henry Greene Roberts in New Albany, Mississippi. She resided in Palestine for over 60 years until her death on January 1, 2018.
Willetta is survived by one daughter, Pam Carroll Parkman; 2 grandsons, Marty Carroll of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Delan Parkman of Palestine; 2 great-grandsons, Braedon Carroll and Ayrton Carroll of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Willetta was preceded in death by her brothers, Clifford Roberts, Carl Roberts, Chuck Roberts, Lewis Roberts, and one sister, Veletret Sharp. She is survived by brothers, James Roberts and wife, Helen of Palestine; Cotton Roberts and wife, Gay of Forrest City; Kenneth Roberts of West Fork; and sister, Bobbie Boileau of Palestine as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Willetta was employed at General Industries in Forrest City, Arkansas for 29 years where she served as a union steward. She was elected as the first female mayor of Palestine and served in that position from 1990 to 2006. She was selected as Arkansas Mayor of the Year during her third term. During her time as mayor, Willetta was instrumental in many city improvements seen by residents of Palestine. She was employed by J & R Contracting, Inc., where she served as ''office greeter'' and secretary until the time of her death.
Willetta was an avid sports fan. She served as official scorekeeper for many years for the Palestine Baseball program. She was also the coach of the Palestine Youth Softball team earning many championship titles. Willetta's love of the game was well known by those in surrounding areas. Her service in these roles allowed her to make many lifelong friends and has often led many members of her past teams to stay in touch over the past 45 years. This love of sports allowed Willetta to be instrumental in the development of the Palestine Sports Complex.
Willetta loved music. She spent many hours listening to her favorites such as Conway Twitty, George Jones, Randy Travis, Gene Watson, Elvis Presley, and Kenny Chesney. On many days, you could easily hear her favorite tunes blasting from her computer!
Services for Willetta will be held Friday, January 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Palestine, Arkansas. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 4, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in Marianna, Arkansas. Burial will follow services at Bell Cemetery in Palestine, Arkansas. Family and friends may view and sign online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Marianna

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