We mourn the passing of the sweetest most generous couple - Paul and Eva Roberts.
Paul had grown up in Cookeville, while Eva was from originally Crossville and moved to Cookeville.
They met in Cookeville by chance and had a love story like no. other. They quickly became inseparable and had several adventures together. After marriage, they moved to Michigan to begin a new life together where they were excited to be expecting their first and only child, Paul Jr.
Eva followed her lifelong dreams by attending Barber College and becoming a Master Barber, while Paul started his career with the Chrysler Motor Company from which he retired. As the decades passed, Paul and Eva made many lifelong friends and memories but yearned to return to the beauty of Tennessee and to be surrounded by family.
They retired to Cookeville but enjoyed spending the winter months of their retirement years visiting the warm sun and salty shores of south Florida. While at home, in Cookeville, they enjoyed working outside, whether planting flowers or planning a yard sale, they did everything together. They loved to volunteer at the Sparta Help Center, helping the community of Sparta. Their love and respect for one another grew with each passing day.
Although unbearably heartbreaking, it seems appropriate in some ways that they left this world together to spend an eternity with each other.
Eva was born, in 1943, in Cumberland County, daughter of Lena Hodge Neal. She is survived by her sister, Charlotte Gilreath, of Sparta.
In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Tommy Neal, Carl Neal and Jerry Neal; and sisters, Carolyn Floyd and Frances Miller
Paul was born, in 1944, in Putnam County. He was the son of Lonnie Roberts and Emma Mayberry Roberts.
He is survived by his brother Kenneth Roberts, of Baxter.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Agnes Grdinic, Vivet Tribble, Linda Gaines, Reba Gentry, Patricia Jones; and brothers, Cotton Roberts and James Roberts.
Both Paul and Eva are survived by their son Paul Roberts Jr.; daughter in-law Greta Steenerson Roberts; and grandchildren Grant and Laurae
A memorial service will be planned for family and friends in the coming spring.
Paul and Eva's family request memorial contributions be made to Sparta-White County Help Center, 21 N Main St., Ste 105, Sparta, Tennessee 38583.
Thurman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
