Roberta Edwinor Jeter

Ms. Roberta Edwinor Ferguson Jeter, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister in Christ, friend, neighbor, neighborhood grandmother, co-worker, and textile artist, passed away at the age of 83, thinking of her family and home on Wellspring Drive in Cincinnati, Ohio. She went home to be with the Lord on June 6, 2026, at The Home at Taylor’s Pointe, after a four-year illness.

Throughout her life, “She has done what she could.” (Mark 14:8a)

Roberta’s LIFE Story

Roberta’s Childhood, 1942-1959

Roberta Edwinor Ferguson was born on December 21, 1942, to Herbert and Nettie Taylor Ferguson in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the family lived in the West End. She attended Jackson Elementary, Porter Junior High, and Harriett Beecher Stowe School. As a child, Roberta helped her mother care for her younger siblings and later supported elderly relatives, including Aunt Mary Drew, Aunt Cora Elizabeth and Uncle Jimmie. In 1957, after a fire destroyed their home, her family moved to Cumminsville. “Bert” and Herbert continued to attend school in the West End. Urban renewal led to a drop in enrollment at Stowe School between 1960 and 1962, so students had to choose between Central High School and night school. Bert chose McCall Industrial School to study food service, while her brother, Herbert attended Central High School and studied lithography.

Roberta’s Story – Young Adult Years and Adult Years, 1960-1997

Roberta graduated from McCall’s Business School in 1961 with a certificate in food service. After finishing school, she met her brother, Herbert’s friend, Walter Jeter, Jr., who attended Central High School and lived on Townsend in Cumminsville. Walter drove a car, and his father owned a truck that Walter used to move people or clean out houses for extra income. Roberta worked at Mr. Gene Doghouse for several years, then at United Dairy Farmer’s Ice Cream Company. With determination, she applied for a job at the Procter & Gamble Company cafeteria in 1973 to get a higher-paying job and a better benefits package. She was hired and worked in food service until the department was outsourced. She later worked in other departments before retiring in 1998.

Roberta and Walter married on October 5, 1963, and moved into their first apartment at 866 Lexington Avenue in Avondale. In 1966, they bought a house on Wellspring Drive in Spring-field Township, fulfilling their dream of homeownership. Over the years, they lovingly adopted two children: Davona Lynn Jeter in 1970 and Walter Jeter III in 1972. Roberta said, “it was the best decision she made.” She loved being a mother through all the seasons of Davona and Walter’s lives, celebrating their accomplishments, high school graduations, and lecturing them on the next steps in their futures.

Bert and Walter were married for 17 years before divorcing in 1980. Roberta, known for her skills as a home economist, improved the quality of life for her family and extended family through her resourcefulness and excellent cooking. She was especially known for her salads, homemade rolls, and hearty soups. Even after the divorce, Bert’s management skills helped her keep the family home on Wellspring Drive for her children, grandchildren, and other family members who resided there for a short period of time. Her house was known as the “Kool-Aid” house. All of the kids in the neighborhood would come to Ms. Bert’s house for advice.

Diligence and Industry: “She rises early, works with her hands, and manages her household efficiently.” (Proverbs 31:13-15)

Roberta’s Lifespan Hobbies, 1960-2026

Roberta, sometimes called Bobbie, was a talented textile artist and dressmaker. She sewed clothes for herself, her family, and friends, including outfits for special occasions like proms and graduations. Roberta, a lifelong learner, taught herself to macramé, upholster furniture, and crochet. She created unique Afghan blankets for babies and family members that they still cherish today. Her last projects were a tie blanket for a great-great-nephew and a turquoise blue tie blanket for herself. In her sewing room are the remnants of finished projects and the fabrics of possible projects.

Bert enjoyed playing the Ohio State Lottery daily tickets, scratching them off, and the anticipation of winning the jackpot or money. Her friendship circle ensured she got her lottery tickets even though she stopped driving. Bert enjoyed listening to music and had a jazz and gospel LP collection, including gospel artists, James Cleveland, Aretha Franklin, and Tasha Cobb Leonard, as well as renowned jazz artists such as Etta James.

Roberta’s Spiritual Practices – Favorite Verse Romans 12:1-3

The belief in Jehovah permeates Roberta’s life; she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at age 14. Roberta attended Cornerstone Baptist Church, Rose Chapel Baptist Church, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Tryed Stone Missionary Baptist Church, and Word of Life Ministries Christian Center. Throughout her life, Roberta renewed her commitment to Christ by reading a daily devotion, singing spiritual songs, and sharing her faith with others through hospitality and the creative arts. She joined weekly Bible Study groups first with her sisters and friends in the 1980s. In more recent years, she has been a member of Nancy Sutter’s Bible Study Group. She joined the Ferguson Family Prayer network weekly phone calls from 2020 through 2026 and celebrated Communion with the family members.

Generosity: “She reaches out to the poor and needy, showing compassion and care.”

(Proverbs 31:20)

Roberta’s Spiritual Gift – Hospitality – Sharing Her Heart and Serving Others

During their 17 years of marriage, Bert and Walter welcomed family and friends into their home for weekend visits, celebrations, holidays, and seasonal gatherings. On Saturday afternoons, guests played whist and later spades with nieces and nephews — a tradition Bert continued throughout her life.

During her 24 years at Procter & Gamble, Roberta often bought household products such as laundry detergent, diapers, deodorant, shampoo, and dessert products for her family and friends. High school graduates going away to school could always count on her to give them a year’s supply of P&G products as a graduation gift. Her family always looked forward to the P&G Holiday box each year and Kings Island P&G Day tickets.

“She is clothed with strength and honor, and her character inspires confidence and respect.” (Proverbs 31:25)

Roberta’s Retirement Years, 1998-2022

In retirement, Bert raised her grandsons, Devon and Davon. Nothing compared to her joy as a grandmother. She loved preparing nutritious meals, shopping for clothes, and helping them with homework. She fought to get services for her Devon, which met his special needs, yet guided him towards life skills. Another round of Davon’s friends’ teens would visit the house regularly.

Bert became known as the neighborhood grandmother because the school bus stopped in front of her house. Parents would bring their children to meet her, so they knew she was someone they could trust if the bus was late or didn’t come. Bert stayed active by working at North College Hill High School cafeteria for a few years and at Save-A-Lot grocery store in Northside. Also, she helped with catering jobs, such as Soul Secrets.

Faith and Reverence: “Her fear of the Lord is central, and she is praised for her spiritual devotion.” (Proverbs 31:30)

Roberta’s Final Years, 2022-2026 – The Home at Taylor’s Pointe

In December 2022, Bert experienced a medical emergency, and the EMT transported her to Mercy Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a terminal disease, given only a few months to live. God had other plans, so after a hospital stay and a short-term stay at a respite care facility, Davona arranged her mother’s transfer to hospice care at The Home at Taylor’s Pointe. Bert approached everyone to convince them to take her back home to Wellspring Drive. At the same time, she built a circle of friends at Taylor’s Pointe and shared her beautiful singing voice with other residents and staff. She also insisted that the staff should spend additional time with her and was affectionately known as “grandma” at the facility.

While she was at Home at Taylor’s Pointe, many people visited her, bringing cards, flowers, scratch-off lottery tickets, balloons, stuffed animals, and many kind words. Family members, neighbors, in-laws, nieces, nephews, her Bible Study members, Davona and Walter’s friends called and routinely visited throughout the four years, to the amazement of residents and staff. Her nieces, Connie and Tanya popping in to check on her. Jennifer bringing coffee, jewelry and music to dance, sing or soothe her spirit. Walter shared the good news that Kaylin Marie graduated from high school in 2024. Also, her godson, Kameron Ray intro-duced Bert to his daughter, Emerson. Everyone brought their children to meet “Ms. Bert

On Thursdays, her sisters, Cora and Edna, friends, Jerry and Judy, and sister-in-law, Brenda would bring scratch-off tickets, homemade cakes, and sometimes a full meal. On Saturday, May 2nd, at 5:30 p.m. in Room 210B, there was a graduation watch party for Davona kicked off with hospice volunteers, Ed, Jennifer, Edna, Cora and Bert watching her daughter walk across the stage and accept her Master of Public Administration degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. Also, Bert received the good news that Alyssa Lynn, her grand-daughter, graduated from high school with honors. Devon, Davon, Kaylin and Alyssa are finding their way towards a hope-inspired future.

Roberta’s spirit sang, “Lord, I’m coming home”, for “it is well with my soul.”

Roberta’s Spiritual Legacy

Roberta offered hope, help, and healing through her lifetime of service to others. Roberta’s children and grandchildren practice lifelong learning so they can share what they learn with others. They built on the foundation set for them, thereby enhancing the development of their spiritual gifts. Roberta Edwinor Ferguson Jeter serves as a model of strength, honor, and spiritual beauty, inspiring both her household and community.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”

(Psalm 116:15 NIV)

Ms. Roberta Edwinor Ferguson Jeter is survived by: Children, Davona Jeter and Walter Jeter III; Grandchildren, (Karen B. Rice) Devon Alexander Jeter and Davon Aston Rice, (Kathleen Styers) Kaylin Marie Jeter and Alyssa Lynn Jeter; Siblings, Cora E. Jeter, Edna F. Whitehead and Nettie L. Ferguson of Columbus; Nieces, Rosalee Watts of Berea, KY, Connie Johnson, Shonda Ferguson Gordon (Garry O.), Tranee Ferguson Berry, Roberta Ferguson, Alisa Ferguson, Kacee Turner, Miriam Whitehead, Tamara Williams Vanhorn of Boulder, CO, Antionette Bride Reid, Ramona L. Ferguson, Terri Ferguson, Tanya Ferguson, Willy Ferguson, Arnetta Ferguson, Carolyn Wilson Byndon (Ken), Sharon Wilson Rucker, Jeanette Brownlow, Monica Jeter-Johnson, Tracy Jeter, Angela Jeter, Calista Rollins-Hargrove, Joell Heflin, Cassandra Jeter-Bailey (Douglas), Kristen Taylor and Nannie Ferguson Crozier of Gadsden, AL; Nephews, Eric Jeter, Judson J. Jeter, Jr., Aaron Jeter, Marvin Ferguson, Adrian Turner, Louis Ferguson II, Charles B. Bride, Emmanuel Wilson, Paul Jeter, Jr., Bryant Jeter (Angeleete), Cecil Ferguson of Gadsden, AL and Kevin Ferguson, Sr. (Sylvia) of Ashville, AL; Godson, Angela Doretha Ray, mother of Kameron Ray; In-laws, Anthony Turner (Louise), Brenda Pearson Ferguson (Louis), Jennifer Williams, Martha Jeter Hill (Greg), Paul Jeter, Sr., Cassandra Jeter, Pauletta Jeter Taylor and Mary Jeter (Robert Frank); Life-Long Best Friends and Neighbors (sharing a fellowship for over 50 years), Cassandra Rashid, Delores Cole, Jennifer Williams, J’rome “Jerry” Holmes (Christina) and William “Tee” Washington; Siblings, Herbert J. Ferguson, Jr., Edward V. Ferguson, Louise Ferguson Turner, Louis Ferguson, Henrietta Ferguson Redding and Cecil Ferguson; Aunts and Uncles, Edna Ferguson, Clayton Davis, Rogers Ferguson, Lena Roberta Ferguson, Julius Ferguson, Alonzo Ferguson; Niece, Deborah Ferguson Cochrian; Nephews, Kevin A. Jeter, Ralph Whitehead, Randall Whitehead, Donte Whitehead, Stephon Jeter, Timportis Ferguson and Willie Joe Ferguson; Mother and Father-in-laws, Mrs. JoEthel Meador Jeter and Mr. Walter Jeter, Sr.; Brother-in-laws, Judson J. Jeter (Cora), Ralph Whitehead (Edna), Robert Frank Jeter and James Brownlow; Sister-in-laws, Ernestine Riley Ferguson Johnson (Herbert), Marcella Winbush Ferguson (Edward), Christina Palmer Holmes (J’rome), Annie Lue Bride Ferguson (Cecil), Leadoris Wilson, Eartell Brownlow and Bobby Jean Rollins; and a host of cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives and friends.

She is predeceased by her parents, Herbert J. Ferguson, Nettie Taylor Ferguson and spouse, Walter Jeter, Jr.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roberta Edwinor Jeter, please visit our floral store.