Coreane Elizabeth "CoCo" Roberts

Coreane Elizabeth Roberts, affectionately known as “Coco,” was born to the late Darcy and Berdie Dugger in Waverly, Virginia on May 11, 1930.  

Coreane  gained her wings and white robe on Monday April 5, 2021 at the age of 90 years old.

 Coco accepted Christ at an early age. She was very immersed in the Christian Community which became her lifelong support. She was also an Ordained Minister for over 30 years. She lived in Virginia until the 6th grade then moved to Pittsburgh, PA.  She attended Taylor and Alderdice Middle and High School which were both located in a Jewish community, where she was the only black student. She started tutoring black and white children at the age of 11 because she was so smart and intelligent. Coco was an honor roll student from grades K-12th and was accepted into Boston Medical School on a full ride scholarship.

Coco had a big heart!!  She never met a stranger.  She opened her home to those in need and fed anyone who walked through her doors.  She ministered to many with her infinite wisdom and calming spirit.  I’m sure some remember her saying “Oh, How Duckie” or “Hey Girlie.”

She made everyone feel special by listening to stories or problems, being attentive, and offering spiritual guidance. Coco was also a “sharp” dresser.  She would catch the attention of all in a room with her fashionable style.  

Coco was blessed with a large and loving family.  She married her best friend and the love of her life, Joseph Bernect “Fatdad” Roberts on November 15, 1946 in Pittsburgh, PA.  They were married for 74 years. They raised 6 children, Marie “Mickey” Roberts, Patricia “Pat” Phillips, Toni Roberts, Alice Stone, Paul Roberts, and Loretta “Nina” Roberts. They were also very instrumental in raising their 22 grandchildren. 

Coco comes from a large family.  She was the 6th child out of 11 children: James Dugger, Darcy Dugger Jr., Sallie Ann Smith, Pearlie Mae Harriston, Jessie L. Dugger, Freddie Lewis, Rev. Sidney Dugger, Preston Dugger, Floyd Dugger, and Georgiann Jackson. She loved her siblings and all of their children.    

She was proceeded in death by all of her brothers and sisters with the exception of Georgiann Jackson, whom she loved so so very much.  She would go visit her little sister every year in Pittsburgh, PA and they would take trips often together.  They were not only sisters but best friends, prayer partners and best girlfriends who talked every day.  Coco loved her some JoJo!! 

She leaves to cherish her memories, husband Bernect, daughter Nina, sister-in-law Rev. Ellen Dugger, 19 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, 58 great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  She was loved by all whom she touched. 

 She was preceded in death by her daughters, Mickey, Pat, Toni, Alice; son Paul; grandchildren Robin Isbell, William Phillips, Tammy Roberts; sisters-in-law June Dugger, Noreen Dugger, Edith Dugger, brothers-in-law Robert “Bob” Jackson, Alfonso Smith, and John Harriston.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Coreane Elizabeth "CoCo" Roberts, please visit our floral store.