Edith “Polly” Roberts, age 93, of Wilmington, DE, passed away March 11, 2023 at Shipley Living.
Polly was born in White Top, Virginia, to the late Violet and Grover Weaver. She moved to Wilmington, Delaware, in 1949 with her husband James K. Roberts Sr. She retired from Diamond State Telephone Company where she worked for 30 years as a telephone operator. After retirement, Polly and her husband spent time in Fenwick Island, traveled the country and spent time helping with their grandchildren whom she loved dearly. For many years she was an active member of Elsmere Presbyterian Church serving as an elder, president of women’s circle and an honorary life member of the Presbyterian women. In the 1970’s along with her daughter Carol they established the Elsmere Childcare Center which continues to serve the community today.
Polly was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, James K. Roberts Sr., her son Richard W. Roberts, daughter Carol R. Morris, and sister Wanda Castle of Lebanon, Virginia. She is survived by her son James K. Roberts, Jr. of Wilmington; daughters Anita Murphy (George) of West Chester, PA and Barbara Derby of Newark; son-in-law Richard Morris of Townsend; brother Dr. Kenneth Weaver of North Carolina; grandchildren Brian Morris (Megan), Scott Morris (Cary), Sean Morris (Katie), George Murphy (Sarah), Christopher Murphy (Brenda), Timothy Murphy (Ladonna), Jennifer Murphy, Amber Derby (Alex) ,and Shawna Derby (Dennis); and 19 great-grandchildren. Family was most important to her; she was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who will be missed dearly.
The family would like to thank the staff at Forwood Manor and Shipley Living who lovingly cared for her over these last many years.
Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 9-10:30 am on Saturday, March 18 at Elsmere Presbyterian Church, 606 New Rd., Elsmere, DE with a service at 10:30. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.
Donations may be made in memory of Edith “Polly” Roberts to the Penn Memory Center which conducts the Aging Brain Cohort (ABC) Study of which she was a participant (https://pennmemorycenter.org/gifts/dontate) or to Elsmere Presbyterian Church.
