Roberta Louise Turner

TURNER, ROBERTA LOUISE (AGE 92) OF ZEBULON, NC (PREVIOUSLY OF SUITLAND, MD)

Roberta L. Turner was born on April 8, 1934, in Washington, D.C., to the late Nathaniel Wadsworth Bates, Sr. and Deborah Elizabeth Peaks Bates. Raised in Washington, D.C., Roberta grew into a strong, intelligent, loving, and accomplished woman whose life was shaped by family, faith, education, perseverance, and service.

Roberta was educated in the D.C. Public School System where she graduated with the Class of 1952 from Fairmont Heights High School. Roberta continued her education at Cortez Business School andlater completed courses at George Washington University. During that time, she met and later married high school sweetheart, Leander Vines. One of the greatest joys of Roberta’s life was becoming a mother and on June 12, 1958, she welcomed her beloved son, Leander Vines Jr., who was truly her pride and joy. On April 8, 2020, Roberta experienced an unimaginable loss when her only son, Leander, suddenly became ill and passed away on her birthday. His passing left a profound void in her heart.

Professionally, Roberta began her career with the United States Government as a clerk typist. Through hard work, determination, intelligence, and perseverance, she advanced to become a Personnel Staff Specialist and retired at the young age of 51. After retirement, Roberta discovered a passion for golf. She became a member of the Wake-Robin Golf Club, Inc. and participated in the Golden Circle Club, golfing for approximately 19 years. Roberta became an accomplished golfer,earning trophies and awards that included Most Improved Player, first- and second-place finishes, team competition awards, club competition awards, and many other honors. Golf brought her joy,fellowship, and opportunities to share her competitive spirit. Music was another source of joy for Roberta. Among her favorite artists were Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass, and Kenny G.

Her faith was an important part of Roberta’s life. She was a devoted member of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church, where she faithfully supported her church and participated in ministries including the choir and Golden Circle Ministry until her health began to decline. Her church community and faith remained meaningful parts of her life, offering strength and connection throughout the years.

In August 2024, Roberta moved from the Washington, D.C. area to North Carolina to be closer to her eldest granddaughter, Leilani Robinson. This move allowed Roberta to spend precious time surrounded by family. She especially enjoyed time with her grandson-in-law, Kahlil Robinson, and her beloved great-grandson, Camdyn, whom she adored. Roberta made her home in North Carolina, where she was lovingly cared for by her granddaughter, Leilani, and made it a point to let everyone know how grateful she was for her. During the final months of her life, Roberta received hospice care and was surrounded by compassion, dignity, and love. Her family is especially grateful for the hospice team who cared for Roberta until her final breath, including Nurse Lauren, Hazel, and Chaplain Zach. Their kindness and support will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.

Roberta was preceded in death by her parents, Nathaniel Wadsworth Bates, Sr. and Deborah Elizabeth Peaks Bates; her beloved son, Leander Vines Jr.; her sisters, Margaret Janette Bates Washington,Dorothy Mae Talbert Winston, Estelle Amelia Bates Hines, and Gloria Ann Bates Perry; and her brothers, Carroll E. Waters and Floyd L. Peaks. 

Roberta leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Nathaniel Wadsworth Bates; her youngest sister, Deborah Elizabeth Bates Butler; her daughter-in-law, Cynthia Vines; her granddaughters, Leah Vines, Leta Vines, and Leilani Robinson (Kahlil); her beloved great-grandson, Camdyn; Rita Simmons (mother of Leilani); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, friends, and other loved ones. Roberta lived a remarkable life spanning more than nine decades—a life filled with family, faith, education, professional achievement, music, golf, laughter, cherished memories, and love.

Her viewing will be held from 10:00am until time of service 11:00am on Friday, September 4, 2026 in the chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A, 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640. Interment Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, Maryland.