Memorial services for Mr. John Venson Roberts, 80, of Kilgore, formerly of Tyler, will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Kilgore. The family will receive friends following the service. Mr. Roberts completed his earthly journey on Monday, April 13, 2015, in Longview. Venson was born on Nov. 11, 1934, in Cumby to C.V. and Mittie Roberts. He attended and graduated from Greenville High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts, Vocal Music from Howard Payne University and then his Master of Divinity from the Southwestern Theological Seminary. His call to the ministry led him to be the minister of music and youth for the First Baptist Church in Seymour, Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville and First Baptist Church in Chandler. He and his wife owned the Pfaff Sewing Center in Tyler from 1978 to 1995. In the later years of his life, his ministry became one of calling numerous people to sing "Happy Birthday," "Happy Anniversary" or just a song of encouragement. His family was the source of his strength, and spending time with them, especially going on cruises together, brought him the greatest joy and happiness. He will be missed for the music, whistling and love that he shared with all of those whose lives he touched. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 60 years, Greta, of Kilgore; children, Jay Roberts, of Tyler, Robyn and husband Lowell Irving, of Kilgore; grandchildren, Rebekah and Rachel Roberts, of Tyler, Sarah Irving, of Tomball, and Chelsea Irving, of Kilgore; great-grandchildren, Mark and Jenny Bearden, of Tomball; siblings, Eloise and husband Beryle Lovelace, of Dallas, David and wife Sandy Roberts, of Greenville, and Billy Roberts, of Greenville. Also left to cherish him are numerous nieces, nephews, friends and other loving family members. Preceding him in death are his parents and a sister, Prebalene Bell. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Howard Payne University, P.O. Box 2369, Brownwood, 76804, [email protected]; or to First Baptist Church in Kilgore, 501 E. North St., Kilgore, 75662. Published in Tyler Morning Telegraph on Apr. 15, 2015