Mother Maybelle Roberts McGriff

Mother Maybelle was born and raised in Callahan, Florida to the late Deacon Ernest Roberts and Mother Christine Inez on December 14, 1935. She attended Nassau County Public school system.

Mother Maybelle was married on March 5, 1960, to the late Mr. Coley McClain until his death on July 18, 1994. They were the parents of two children, the late Elder Dr. Sherman Roberts, and Janice Cecelia McClain-Dorn.

Mother Maybelle was married on August 19, 2001, to the late Elder Robert McGriff, Pastor of True Believers Church of God by Faith and gained 13 children (5 preceded her in death), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and family members.

Mother Maybelle was a meek and mild pillar in her walk with God, family, friends. To her family, friends, and Callahan community, she was affectionately known as “Mae”. Beloved, Matriarch of the Roberts family. Maybelle retired from Stone Container of Yulee, Florida after 29 years of faithful service, her responsibilities included making paper products, which bore her work identification number. She would proudly gather products from establishments that bore her number, to share with family, especially her grands. She was often recognized for exceeding production requirements and the magnificent quality of her work.  She was a lifelong member of Church of God by Faith, Inc., and truly loved Callahan COGBF (now True Believers COGBF).  Maybelle served at Callahan COGBF as the Financial Recording Secretary and teacher of the Adult Sunday School class.  She also served on the Local, District, and National Usher Boards, serving as the Jacksonville District Usher President from 1995-2002. Under the leadership of Pastor Byron Ramseur, she was appointed Church Mother and worked on the church’s custodial team. The Lord anointed Maybelle’s hands to be a nurturer, amazing baker and cook. She was well known for her 7Up pound cake, 3 Layer Chocolate Cake, Sweet Potatoes Pies, Chewy Bread, Chicken and Rice, Chicken and Dumplings, among other things.

Maybelle was preceded in death by her son, Elder Dr. Sherman L. Roberts; bonus son, Frazier Ted McClain; grandson-in-love, Eric De’Andre Smart; great-grandson, Derrick Jaylen Smart; brothers, James Roberts, Joseph Roberts, Raymond Roberts, and Samuel Roberts; sister, Charlotte Young; brother-in-law, Lee Frank Taylor.

Maybelle McGriff transitioned from this life peacefully at her home on Roberts Road into rest, she leaves to cherish her memories, daughter, Janice McClain-Dorn; daughter-in-love, Wanda Williams (Johnny); grandchildren, Gina LaKristin Jenkins (Elijah), Eugene Dorn, Sherman L. Roberts, II, Candace LaMae Smart, Destiny Christine Roberts, and Fallon Evae Roberts; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ernestine Taylor, Alice Roberts, and Elouise Jones; brother, Donald Roberts (Jonnie-Shane); brother-in-law, Willie Young; special cousin, Ruby Powell; daughter-in-love, Deborah McClain; goddaughters, Evangelist Punch Baldwin and Briana Cohen; devoted great-grand, Jacobee Dorn; and a host of bonus children, bonus grands, great-grands, nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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