Michael Benjamin Roberts

The Life of Michael Benjamin Roberts

Michael Benjamin Roberts was born on August 25, 1948, in Poughkeepsie, New York to Marshall Leon Roberts and Leola Roberts.

On March 15, 2000, Michael married the love of his life, Wanda Faye Roberts. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

Michael accepted Christ at an early age and remained steadfast in his faith throughout his life. He faithfully served the Lord and was ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of the late Pastor Gregory F. Griggs at St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church.

Michael graduated from Poughkeepsie High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lincoln University. During his matriculation through Lincoln University in the fall of 1969, he pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. through the Omicron Upsilon Chapter. He went on to attend Howard University where he received his Juris Doctorate. He enjoyed a distinguished legal career that spanned more than 50 years. Throughout his decades of service, he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, clients, and members of the legal community through his integrity, wisdom, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to justice. His work reflected not only exceptional legal expertise but also a deep compassion for others and a sincere desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those he served.

Michael never met a stranger. Regardless of a person's station in life, he treated everyone with dignity, kindness, and respect. Whether interacting with a dignitary, a colleague, a client, or someone he had just met, people walked away feeling seen, heard, and valued. He was the very definition of a people’s person. His warm and welcoming spirit, genuine love for others, and remarkable ability to connect with people made everyone he encountered feel like family.

Above all, Michael was a devoted family man who cherished the love and bond he shared with those closest to him. His family was his greatest joy and one of his proudest accomplishments. He loved his wife deeply and treasured the life they built together. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and celebrated their accomplishments, and offered them unwavering love, guidance, and support. Michael’s love extended beyond immediate family; he embraced extended family and friends as his own, making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved. His presence brought warmth, wisdom, laughter, and encouragement to every life he touched.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall Leon Roberts and Leola Roberts; his stepfather, Noel Miller; his brother, Marshall Leon Roberts, Jr.; and his sister, Lisa Ann Roberts.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his devoted wife, Wanda Faye Roberts; his children, Troy Leon Roberts (Bethany), Mocha Dawn-Hope Roberts, Malcolm Bright Roberts, Marcus Ali Roberts, and Corey Maxfield (Tiffany); and his bonus daughters, Ingrid Jones and Demetrice Conner. He also leaves behind his sisters, Wanda Abbott and Eileen Roberts; his brother, Vernon Roberts (Sharon); his grandchildren, Ashley Jewel Penaflor (Ryan), Joe Preston V., Troy Leon Roberts, Jr., Savannah Roberts, Amberniqua Brown, Jacques Jones and Caleb Wright; his great-grandson, Sherrard Brown, Jr.; and a host of beloved nephews, nieces, extended family members, cherished friends, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Michael's legacy of faith, compassion, integrity, and service will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him. Though he will be deeply missed, his life stands as a testament to the power of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to family, faith, and community.