Sammie Lee Roberson

Sammie Lee Blagg Roberson 

August 27, 1944 - October 27, 2021

Sammie Lee Blagg Roberson peacefully passed away October 27, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Sammie was born August 27, 1944 in Modesto to parents Sam and Tilda Blagg, Sammie was raised in Oakdale where she graduated in 1962. In 1963, she married Donald K Gentry. They had two children, Donald Ray and Laura Dell. After divorcing in 1970, Sammie focused on supporting her family with guidance from Christ and the support of her plentiful siblings, extended family and friends. She worked two jobs and went back to school earning a clerical position with City of Modesto as Secretary for the Airport Manager. She was the mom who spent every spare moment entertaining kids, whether they were her own children, nieces and nephews, or from the neighborhood. She went to work for Save Mart in the Bakery and loved her coworkers. 

Favorite hobbies were riding horses with her brothers, sewing, crafting, reading, fishing, playing softball and gardening. She married Thomas J Roberson in 1983 and life became enriched with his love and all that life on Burwood Road entailed. She inherited another son, Tommy D Roberson and a new family at Escalon Presbyterian Church where she served as a deacon and the "Craft Mom" during Sunday school and VBS. Sammie loved being a hostess, she and Tommy hosted many Church picnics, family parties, and eventually turned his family home into "Burwood Place". They hosted weddings, retirements, family reunions and large events while reserving the beautiful Victorian home and grounds for personal celebrations. 

Sammie had many titles, Baby Sister, Wife, Mother and Aunt, however her most cherished was "Grammy". She loved her grandchildren unconditionally. Jennifer, Tommy, Nicole, Samantha, and Spencer were her joy. Then came the great grand babies Eli, Hannah, Joey, Kinsley, Teagan and Beau. The joy she felt, spending time with them made her life complete. Even battling Alzheimer's, Dementia, Diabetes and Spinal deterioration, you could find her on the porch crafting with the babies. 

Sammie always had Jesus Christ in her heart, a song on her lips and strength to encourage all around her. She lived the legacy given to her " I may not have had material things being the baby sister of twelve, but I always felt an abundance of love".

She is survived by her husband Tommy; brother, Elmer Blagg (Carole); son, Don Gentry; daughter, Laura Alcantor (Rodney) of Escalon; stepson, Tom Roberson (Bette) of New Mexico; grandchildren, Jen Thompson (Chris), Tommy Roberson, Bailie Roberson, Nicole Gentry, Samantha Metts (Daniel), and Spencer Alcantor (Holly); six great grandchildren and a great grand dog ,Remi. She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Lloyd, Oliver, Perry, Walter, Howard, Nellie, Marvin, Mary Ellen, Joe, and Bob.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Escalon Presbyterian Church.

A Fellowship time with pastries and drinks at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 20th will be followed up with a memorial service at 11:00 in Centennial Hall at EPC, 1612 First Street Escalon. Live stream option also available on EPC YouTube channel for those who would like to attend but are unable.