Roberts,

Joseph L.

was born on january 27, 1947; the sixth child of eight, to the late George D. and Thelma (James) Roberts, in Statesboro, Georgia. He departed this life on Thursday, May 20, 2010, in Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia at the age of 63.

Joseph, affectionately called "Catfish", "Cat" or "Joe Louis", was educated in the Philadelphia School System. He was employed by John Mansfield in New Jersey; Jersey Construction and retired from Conrail Rail System as a rail man. After retirement, he started his own paving company, J.T.'s Paving and Maintenance, Chesilhurst, NJ. Joe was skillful in building, plumbing and electrical.

Joseph never was a stranger or said no to anyone. He was always helpful everywheare he went. He was a sweet heart, loving, devoted and a caring man.

Even though Joseph only had two biological children, he cared and nurtured his 13 grandchildren as if they were hos own biological children.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; his life long companion, Cynthia Bullock; two sisters, Ollie Mae Reed and Barbara Bullock and one brother, Stanley Richard Roberts.

He is survived by his wife, Lori Buchanan Roberts of Philadelphia; one son, Timothy Bullock of Philadelphia; one daughter, LaCress Bullock of W. Berlin; two brothers, Joshua Roberts of Philadelphia and George J. Roberts, Jr. of Lindenwold; two sisters, Luverge Roberts Davis of Philadelphia and Marguerite Thompson of North Carolina; thirteen grandchildren, Timothy, Timera, Aprica, Malik, Symphony, Rashaad, Mable, Tyriek, T'nae, James, Jade, Jaqawn and Dhnaj; three great grandchildren, Evan, Hazel and King and a host of other family members and friends.

Services will be held 11am Saturday, May 29, 2010 at Greater Mt. Carmel C.O.G.I.C., 250 Chestnut Street, W. Berlin, where friends may call from 9am. Burial in Berlin Cemetery, Berlin, NJ.