Lola Roberts Gillette entered into heavenly rest on January 5th, 2021 after a critical illness in Augusta University Medical Center after prior illness at home. She was eighth born February 26, 1950 to the late Rev. John F., Sr. and Lucy Roberts in Sardis, GA . Her parents and five of her twelve siblings preceded her in death; Lonnie, John, Douglas, Dennis Roberts, and Exie Roberts Green. Also preceding her in death was her son, Dimetri and grandchildren Jawannecia, Makalia, and Justina.
Lola was married to the late Charles Gillette, son of Willie and Lizzie Jane Gillette. Five children were born. Being the loving mother she was plenty of love for god-children: Ricky Dixon, Dr. Loretta Jones, Janesha Mason, and Christopher Whitfield.
Lola Roberts Gillette was baptized at a young age in Pleasant Grove A.M.E. Zion Church of Sardis, GA and served from childhood to adulthood. She was an active member on the Usher board, as Church school and children’s Bible study teacher, Missionary worker, Lay Council member, Church Secretary, Choir member, and ordained Deaconess until her health failed.
Lola attended the Burke County School system. She worked for Rick Ram Star for years. Later she worked at Jockey’s in Millen, GA, her last job was at the Ogeechee Behavioral Center. Lola was known for her kindness, loving heart and God-fearing nature in the community.
She leaves loving cherished memories to her beloved: son, Francoise Roberts, Sardis, GA; her daughters: Japonica Gillette, Waynesboro, GA; Charlinthia Gillette, Martinez, GA; Denise Gillette Cobb, Waynesboro, GA; her daughters-in-law Angel Roberts, Waynesboro, GA, Andrea Freeman, Sardis, GA; siblings: Aaron (Maria) Roberts, California, Catherine Roberts, New Jersey, Marie H. Roberts, Indiana, Samuel (Alfreda) Roberts of California, Eunice Barnes, Augusta, GA, James (Theresa), Waynesboro, GA and Jane Mason, Sardis, GA; sisters-in-law: Gloria Roberts, Maryland and Jackie Gillette, Augusta, GA; grandchildren: Dimetri Jr., Dimetria, Breontay, Mckimberly, Kasaye, Charlexious, Perry, Lamondo, Ancoise. Tyeshia, Francoise Jr, Shatasha, Francisco, Francoise III, Dontorrius, Consorria, Alphonzo, Damian, Key’Aundrya, Jade, Kenichia, Charcoise, Ben, Shanicia, Treone, Ric’Kayiah, Monicia, Jha’Nile, Keldrion, Keshon, Tabitha, Crystal, Stanley, Alandra, Yolandra, Altaevius, Ancoise, LaChondra, Shaneka, Daniell, Kenyata, ZaNiyah, Kenteira, and 51 great- grandchildren; a God-daughter; Carol Griffin Free of Girard, GA her best friend Mrs. Evelyn Freeman and a host of other family and friends.