Margaret Kennerly Roberts

Margaret (Kennerly) Roberts, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, affectionately known to her family as Mimi (or “The Meem-Mers”), passed away peacefully, surrounded by love on August 9, 2026, at the age of 89. She was born September 15, 1936, in Salisbury, North Carolina, the daughter of Clarence and Margaret (Brown) Kennerly.

Margaret married the love of her life, William Ray Roberts, and they shared an extraordinary 73 years together. Their love, companionship, and devotion to one another were a true testament of honoring the sacred vows they took over seven decades ago, fulfilling their lifelong covenant to the sacrament of marriage.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Frances Motley and Ruth Kerr, and her daughter-in-law, Cathy.

Margaret is survived by her husband Ray, her son Mike Roberts, and her daughter, Lori Lea Sawyer (Steve). She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Crystal (Drew), Season (Tommy), and Taylor (Macey), and her great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Fallon, Lincoln, Sutton, and Sadie. She will also be remembered with special love by her favorite fluffy grand dog, Lucy.

Margaret retired from The People’s Bank in Biloxi, where she worked in Human Resources. She carried the same excellence into all that she did—whether in her career, her hobbies, or her family life. Her passions were many and always done with heart and perfection. She was an accomplished artist, evident through her beautiful acrylic paintings, she made the most perfect and extravagant bows and wreaths, she loved decorating for every holiday especially at the bank, and she designed gorgeous gift baskets that made people feel loved and celebrated. If you were lucky enough to see her work, you knew she had a particular affinity for the color purple.

On the days she wasn’t creating, Margaret could be found cheering others on or staying active before being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. In her heyday, she was a competitive and accomplished bowler and softball player. She also loved shopping, especially yard sales where she could uncover hidden treasures, and she was an avid reader. Above all, she was devoted to her family and friends. Her mantra by which she lived —“If you want it, you need it!”—captured the spirit of her love language: creating or finding the perfect gifts for family and friends, with thoughtfulness and joy.

She loved the Lord and cherished her church family at the Heritage United Methodist Church. She also found deep happiness in planning and arranging trips for her church group and those she loved—always bringing excitement, care, and purpose to the details.

Margaret was a proud Air Force wife, often pulling “double duty” as mom and dad for their children as her husband was assigned many remote tours of duty and TDY assignments. She excelled at leadership and service, too—serving as a Boy Scout and a Girl Scout leader, a softball coach, and a constant presence at games. When her children were playing or cheerleading, she never missed a football, basketball, baseball or softball game, and she attended multiple rock concerts when her grandson was performing.

Her legacy will be the manner in which she fiercely, passionately and unconditionally loved the Lord, her family, and her friends.

After 73 years of marriage to her high school sweetheart—an avid Ham radio operator—it is fitting to note that “73” is the manner in which a Ham operator bids farewell. So until we meet again, after 73 years of marriage to her best friend, childhood sweethearts who spent a lifetime together, we bid you a final radio sign-off full of grace. 73, Mimi.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 10 - 11 am at Heritage United Methodist Church, 4322 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS, 39540.  The funeral service will be at 11 am in the church.  A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 9 am in the Biloxi National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or to your favorite charity in her memory. 

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, West Jackson County, is serving the family.