Friends of the Church Ladies of the Church

By Christy Ann Martine

She’s in the sun, the wind, the rain,

she’s in the air you breathe

with every breath you take.

She sings a song of hope and cheer,

there’s no more pain, no more fear.

You’ll see her in the clouds above,

hear her whisper words of love.

We’ll be together before long,

until then, listen for her song.

We, the family of the late Mrs. Laura B. Roberts, wish to express

our deepest appreciation and sincere thanks for every prayer

and expression of love and support showed during our time of

bereavement. Your visits, calls, hugs, and thoughtfulness will

forever be remembered. Your many acts of kindness are forever

appreciated. We ask for your continued prayers,

which sustain us. May God bless you all.

Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home 2930 Colonial Drive Columbia, South Carolina 29203

Willie A. Tompkins, Director (803) 254-2000

bosticktompkinsinc.com

Mrs. Laura Burns Roberts, daughter of the late Moses and Clara Burns, was

born in Jenkinsville, South Carolina on December 24, 1923. She was called

home to be with the Lord on January 8, 2018.

She was predeceased by her husband, Eddie Roberts, and daughters, Martha

Rabb Brown and Melcina Rabb Eichelberger.

Laura, affectionally known as “Madea” by many loved ones, was a loving and

devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Laura accepted the

Lord as her Savior at a very young age and was a devoted member of Bible

Way Church of Christ World Wide in Columbia, South Carolina.

She was educated in the Fairfield County School system. From a very early

age, Laura had an entrepreneurial spirit and became a licensed

cosmetologist. She eventually opened a successful hair salon and record

store in the bustling Washington Street area, a place where many African-

American business roots were established. After retiring from cosmetology,

Laura later opened Mon’s Kitchen, a favorite neighborhood eatery in

Blythewood, South Carolina.

Laura was driven to be successful by the love she had for her three beautiful

daughters: Martha, Melcina, and Christina (“The Rabb Girls”), and her

musically gifted son, Larry. Her loving, caring, and sharing ways reached

beyond her children and touched many family members and friends.

Laura Burns Roberts leaves to cherish her memories, a daughter, Christina

A. Rabb, and a son, Larry D. Roberts; five grandsons: Ronald (Renee) Brown,

Terry (Carla) Brown, Raschad Eichelberger, Demetrius Edmonds, and Bryan

Edmonds; two great-grandchildren, Ronald Brown II and Jasmine A. Brown;

and a host of other loving relatives and relatives.

I am home in Heaven, dear ones;

Oh, so happy and so bright!

There is perfect joy and beauty

In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over,

Every restless tossing passed;

I am now at peace forever,

Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly

Trod the valley of the shade?

Oh! but Jesus' arm to lean on,

Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely,

For I love you dearly still;

Try to look beyond earth's shadows,

Pray to trust our Father's Will.

There is work still waiting for you,

So you must not idly stand;

Do it now, while life remaineth —

You shall rest in Jesus' land.

When that work is all completed,

He will gently call you Home;

Oh, the rapture of that meeting,

Oh, the joy to see you come!

Prelude

Processional

Final Farewell to Our Beloved “Madea” ...................... BTFH Staff

Hymn of Praise .......................................... Bible Way Church Choir

Scripture Readings

Old Testament ....................................................................... Psalm 139 Reverend Evans C. Eichelberger

New Testament ............................................ I Corinthians 15:50-57 Elder Willie Mullins

Prayer of Comfort ......................................................................... Clergy

Selection ............................................................................... Dedre Fluitt

Reflections (three minutes please) .................................. Gracie Cooper Church Member

Ronald Brown Family Member

Jacquelyn Mack Church Member

Acknowledgements .............................................. Michelle Renwick

Selection ....................................................................... Bible Way Choir

Words of Comfort ............................................... Bishop James Mack

Recessional

2603 Two Notch Road • Columbia, South Carolina