Annette Roberts

Annette Sandra Roberts departed this life on January 20, 2021. Annette
was born June 15, 1958 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. She was a loving
wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. Annette was raised in Diego Martin,
Trinidad where she attended Diego Martin Government School. Later, she
attended Universal College in Woodbrook. In 1985, Annette came to
Washington, D.C. In 1986, she met Shurland Roberts and they married five
years later. In 1993, she was able to return home to Trinidad and Tobago
for the first time in years.

Upon arriving in the U.S., Annette did domestic work for a local family
for six years. During that time, she obtained her GED in 1987 from
Bethesda Chevy Chase High School. She transitioned to Montgomery County
District Courts and worked there for the next seven years. From 1998
until her passing, she was employed at GW Medical Faculty Associates.
Here she forged relationships and rapport to last a lifetime.

Knowing Annette was to know that she was the life of the party. In her
youth, she enjoyed netball, cricket, fashion, dancing and, of course,
cooking. She took that love of fashion to be an example of both beauty
and grace. Her cooking spoke a language that would serve in many ways to
show her love, gratitude and servitude.

Annette attended St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church and was a member of
the Chase Partnership Outreach Food Ministry. They met on the second
Saturday of each month to cook food for the men's shelter. In addition
to being the best vegetable chopper, Annette was instrumental in getting
her dear friend, Ms. Vicky, to regularly donate food supplies to this
ministry. Annette also supported and mentored the members of the St.
Mary Magdalene's Liturgical Dance group, where her granddaughter, Danae,
was a graceful dancer. Members of the church will always remember
Annette for her concern for others, her warm smile and the many funny
stories she told during Coffee Hour after Sunday service.

When faced with many health issues she was always determined to overcome
them. Even during a long rehab stay she kept in contact with family and
friends. COVID-19 attacked her body, and she overcame this. Her fight,
faith and fortitude are a part of the legacy of strength she leaves
behind.

Annette was preceded in death by her father, Nathaniel James; her
mother, Dorcas Durant; her brother, Carlos James; and her sister,
Kathleen James.

She is survived by her son, Dwayne James; her husband, Shurland Roberts;
her stepchildren, Aisha, Janine and Osakwe; siblings, Edgerton and Chin;
nieces and nephew, Janelle, Stephen and Sudana; grandchildren, Danae and
Deison; and a host of family and friends.

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