Booker Telefero Roberts Jr.'s Obituary
Alpha July 11,1946 -Omega November 25,2022
Booker Telefero Roberts, Jr. was born in Portland, Oregon on July 11, 1946. He was the third son of Mabel Lee Finley and Booker T. Roberts, Sr. The family had moved from Oklahoma to Oregon, and later settled in the Brookfield Neighborhood of Oakland, California. From an early age, Booker had an undeniable work ethic and began cutting his neighbors’ grass so he could help feed his younger siblings. Booker was a man of great valor, intellect, and a “jack of all trades.” He loved reading and was an adept mathematician. He would study everything from the Bible to the Koran. He read every book he could find on the African and Black Diaspora experience.
At the age of 15, he met the love of his life Joan-Vernett Franklin, affectionately known as “Joanie.” Everyone knew she was his girl, and you dare not mess with her. Booker enjoyed eating some “juicy pigs” sandwiches and he made sure he worked hard to buy himself and Joanie an orange soda, corn chips and a “juicy pig” sandwich as a special treat from time to time. Booker graduated from Castlemont High School in Oakland, California at the age of 17. He also continued working at the Gerber Baby Food Company on 98th Avenue in Oakland, having started there when he was 16 years- old. Booker attended Laney College until he was 19 years old. Booker and Joanie had their first-born child, a son named Lotez, and soon after Booker was drafted into the United States Armed Forces in 1966. After spending two years in the US Army during the Vietnam War, Booker was honorably discharged. He returned to work at the Gerber Baby Food Company, working his way up to Refrigeration Operations Supervisor. He drove taxis as a second job as well. He was undeniably a proud provider for his family. When their son was almost ten years old, Booker and Joanie decided they were ready for another child and their daughter Akilah was born on Booker’s 30th birthday. It was during the pregnancy of their daughter when they purchased their first home together. Their home became the hub of joy and entertainment for the Franklin and Roberts’ Families alike. After spending almost 20 years together, Booker and Joanie renewed their commitment to one another with a private wedding ceremony on July 5,1980. Booker, his wife, and children wanted for nothing. He instilled the value of education in his children, being their first teacher and later extending that same love and value to his grandchildren.
After the Gerber Baby Food Company moved out of state, Booker went back to college at San Francisco City College and graduated with a degree in Computer Technology. He developed a passion for computers and wanted to share this passion with family members by teaching them everything he knew. He even took over a computer repair store in Oakland, only to retire to help care for his mother. Later, he also became the surrogate father to his first-born grandson, Emadgeawon, saying at his grandson’s birth, “they bet not mess with my grandson.“ He loved his family dearly and he helped to care for all his grandsons. Booker developed a love of photography and could always be seen with a camera in his hands or hanging around his neck. He loved capturing all family moments.
Booker relocated to Brentwood, California in January 2022, with his wife, daughter and three grandsons. He was a protective husband, father, brother, grandfather, and uncle. Booker and Joan’s love, commitment, and marriage spanned over six incredible decades. Their vow to one another included making sure they celebrated each other’s successes and supported one another through all of life’s challenges. Joan was devoted to the care of her beloved Booker until his passing.
Booker was preceded in death by his mother Mabel Lee Finley, father Booker T. Roberts, Sr., four brothers Zeteic, John, Herman and Marion, and sister Eliane Roberts. Booker is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Joan-Vernett Roberts, two children Lotez Dernet Roberts and Akilah Vinette (Vazquez) Roberts, of Oakland and Brentwood, California, respectively. He also leaves behind four grandsons, Emadgeawon Lotez Brewer, Lotez Dernet (Josiah) Roberts, Khalil Dernet Roberts, and Izra’el Angel Vazquez, four sisters Tara Jean Roberts-Drake of Sacramento, Marilyn Roberts, Thalia Perez and Zerita White of California, and a whole host of in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews
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