Alma Roberts

Alma Wilson Roberts Norris, of Lavonia, passed away January 30, 2026, five days shy of her 88th birthday, surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer. Her goal was to live to 90, but the good Lord and Savior needed her home and pain free before she reached that milestone.

Alma was married to Rafe Roberts of Lavonia and had eight children. Rafe and three sons preceded her in death; Stephen Dale Roberts and Micheal Rafe Roberts, both of Lavonia, and an infant son. After Rafe's passing, she married Kenneth C. Norris of Canon. After nine years of marriage, he passed away on November 25, 2025. She was also preceded in death by four brothers; Butch Wilson, Cecil Wilson, Glenn Wilson and Jesse Wilson; as well as her parents, J.J. and Eva Wilson of Lavonia. She has two living brothers; Ted Wilson and Ray Wilson.

Alma is survived by her children, Marie Hendrix of Lavonia, Donna Walker of Ila, Patsy (Dan) Adams of Lavonia, Beth (Tim) Andrews of Maxeys and Danny (Keri) Roberts of Comer. She greatly loved and was so proud of her 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Alma was an avid Master Gardener who loved to grow and preserve vegetables from her large garden. Rafe and Alma owned one of the last dairy farms in Franklin County and received the ‘Farm Family of the Year Award’ in 1973. Alma never met a stranger and would carry on a conversation with anyone, especially if interested in gardening. She worked as a sign language interpreter for the Franklin County School system before retiring. Alma also had a degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia. When time allowed, she enjoyed traveling and reading. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Lavonia, GA. As a tribute to Alma, her daughters and the women in the family will be wearing her grandmother, Ethel Nesbitt's, vintage jewelry.

Funeral services will be held on February 4, 2026 at Strickland Funeral Home in Lavonia, GA. Ken Hendrix, her grandson, will officiate. Family and friends will gather at The Shed at Pappa's Creek, 210 Thomas Rd, Lavonia, GA, following services for a time of remembrance.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons; Bryan, Luke, John and Joe Walker; Kyle, Kelby and Blake Andrews.

Strickland Funeral Home in Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. Alma will be laid to rest at Franklin County Memorial Gardens in Lavonia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or 1-800-227-2347 or cancer.org/donate.