Amelia Jolyn Roberts

Amelia Jolyn Roberts, a beloved mother, sister, aunt, friend, church member, seamstress, baker, and woman of faith, was born on February 8, 1944, in Cottageville, South Carolina, to the late Joseph and Phenie Campbell Roberts. She was the second of five children and was raised with a strong sense of family, faith, hard work, and love—qualities that remained a part of who she was throughout her remarkable life. Amelia began her education at Jericho Elementary School and graduated from Colleton High School in 1962. She continued her education at South Carolina Area Trade School, now known as Denmark Technical College, where she earned an associate’s degree in Tailoring in 1964. From a very young age, Amelia discovered a gift that would become one of the defining threads of her life: sewing. Amelia was an avid seamstress and tailor who could create beauty with her hands. She made suits and shirts for her son, Dewayne, dresses for her daughter, Marlen, and beautiful prom and wedding dresses for others. Her talent became her profession, and Amelia spent 44 years working in the alterations departments at Ivey’s and Belk. She retired from Belk in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship, dedication, and pride in her work. After moving to Charlotte, Amelia found a church home at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member for more than 60 years. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found a beautiful way to combine her faith, her talent, and her desire to serve others through the church’s Quilting Ministry. Amelia was a devoted member of the ministry, using her gift of sewing to create quilts that provided comfort and care to others. The ministry made quilts for Pastor Jones to share with visiting ministers and served numerous organizations and communities. For Amelia, sewing was never simply about fabric and thread. It was about people. Through the Quilting Ministry, she not only blessed others with her hands but also formed meaningful and lasting friendships with the women who served alongside her. Amelia had many passions and knew how to enjoy life. She was an avid baker, and her lemon pound cakes—with or without icing—were among her specialties. Those cakes were more than dessert; they were another way Amelia showed love to the people around her. She was deeply family-oriented and treasured spending time with those she loved. She enjoyed traveling with her family to the beach and the mountains and creating memories that would last long after the trips were over. Amelia also loved the finer things in life. She had an appreciation for beautiful jewelry, luxury clothing, and fine shoes and was an avid shopper. She knew what she liked, and she enjoyed treating herself to the things that made her happy. Amelia was preceded in death by her beloved and only son, Dewayne Makeba Morrow, and her former husband, James Morrow. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Marlen Morrow of Charlotte, North Carolina; her sister, Margaret Roberts of Cottageville, South Carolina; nephew, Davido Dupree (Renelle); nieces, Tasha Roberts of Charleston, South Carolina; Kimberly Roberts of Matthews, North Carolina; and Jolyn Roberts of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; brother-in-law, Edward Dupree of Baltimore, Maryland; sister-in-law, Mary Roberts of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Wanda Brock (Danny) of Cottageville, South Carolina, who was raised as a sister. Her lifelong best friend, Mary Frances Gibbs, affectionately known as “Fram.” Their friendship was one of those rare bonds that withstands the passing of time. Their relationship was precious to Amelia and remained an important part of her life. She also leaves Melvin Graham of Charlotte, North Carolina, a loyal and devoted neighbor who became like a son to her, as well as her extended family, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, church family, quilting sisters, lifelong classmates, Charlotte besties, and countless friends whose lives were touched by her presence. Her life was a gift. Her love was a legacy. Her memory will forever be a blessing.

Amelia Jolyn Roberts

February 8, 1944 - August 31, 2026