Rebecca Roberts

Benson, NC:  Rebecca Pope Roberts of Benson, North Carolina and Portland, CT, died on February 2, 2017 at the age of 77, following an incredibly courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones.  Funeral Service will be 11:00AM February 11, 2017 at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, Coats, NC.  Officiating will be Rev. Joe Hester.  Burial will follow in Coats City Cemetery.               She is predeceased by her parents William and Fannie Pope and siblings, Willie, Edward, Mildred, Thurlene, Grace, Dot and Jean.  Rebecca is survived by her two children Henry Rhyne of Hampstead, NC  & Suzanne Roberts of Portland, CT, brothers, Tommy and Bobby of Coats, NC, special niece and nephew, Patty Slage and Bill Rondini and several other nieces and nephews.             Becky, as she was known, grew up in Coats, NC , graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and retired as a social worker from The Connecticut Department of Children & Families, after 25+ years.  She also was the owner of two clothing stores during this time and this exemplified her work ethic.             Becky was always an active person, physically and socially and loved to see new places. One of her favorite songs was Willie Nelson’s ‘On The Road Again’, which she related to well.  She was a loyal and dear friend to many and would do anything to make people feel at home and welcomed. She loved to cook for people, often feeding them enough food to last a week! Her other interests included hiking and biking with her daughter and she was the “Team Mom” and rider for her daughter’s MS Bike Team for over 10 years and biked in this event as recent as 2015.  Her other passions were gardening which she traced to her parents and growing up on a family farm.  She shared this green thumb with her dear sister, Thurl whom she loved dearly.             Becky will be remembered fondly for her love of life, taking risks and not being afraid to try new things or make big life changes.  She was ahead of her time and led an incredibly fulfilling life and she will be immensely missed by all of those who had the pleasure to know her and be blessed with her presence and light.  Many of whom shared wonderful memoires with her at her beach cottage at Topsail Island, NC.             Mom, you are a ray of light that will always be with us and words cannot express how deeply you will be missed.             There will be a Private Family viewing February 10, 2017 from 3:00PM - 5:00PM at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Coats.  The family will receive friends February 11, 2017 following the graveside service at Coats City Cemetery.