Bishop Alfred Lee Roberson was born on August 12, 1947, in Valdosta, Georgia, to Dorothy Braswell and Elvin Roberson. At the age of two, Bishop Roberson moved to Seattle, Washington, with his mother, Dorothy. Their move followed the relocation of his great-aunt, Mother Ida L. R. Graham, who had moved from Valdosta, Georgia, to Seattle in 1944.

Bishop Roberson attended Van Asselt and Leschi Elementary Schools, Washington Middle School, and Garfield High School, where he graduated in 1965. He received a full scholarship to Seattle University but chose to enter the workforce to help support his family. He later attended United Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree. He was an exceptionally intelligent and gifted student with a lifelong appreciation for learning.

Throughout his professional career, Bishop Roberson worked for The Boeing Company, Seattle Parks Department, and Safeway’s Ice Cream Plant in Bellevue, Washington, where he retired after more than 35 years of employment.

Bishop Roberson began serving in ministry as a child at God’s Pentecostal Temple, affectionately known as “16th and Fir,” where he served as an usher and participated in youth ministry. He later served with his uncle, Bishop F. L. Braswell, at Pentecostal Community Temple, affectionately known as “25th and Dearborn.” Additionally, he later served as an Elder, supporting another uncle, Dr. O. I. Braswell, at Power House Pentecostal Church.

In 1967, Bishop Roberson welcomed his firstborn daughter, Talitha Doraye Bible, with Ms. Norma Jean Bible.

He later met and married Melba Jean Harrison, and to this union two daughters were born, Pamela Latrice and Portia Latrice. Together, Alfred and Jean founded Trinity Faith Temple in 1980, where they faithfully served in ministry and helped lead many souls into the Kingdom of God.

Years after the dissolution of their marriage, Bishop Roberson married Linda Williams, through whom he gained two bonus daughters, Erika and Carla Bell, and a bonus grandson, Carter Bell.

Together, Bishop Roberson and Linda served faithfully in ministry at Trinity Faith Temple. Following the conclusion of that marriage, Bishop Roberson remained steadfast in the work to which God had called him and continued faithfully pastoring and serving in ministry.

Bishop Roberson was a founding member and Vice President of the United Ecumenical College of Bishops, where he served for several years. The fellowship and its leaders were extremely dear to his heart. Bishop Roberson was known for his incredibly big heart, generous hospitality, wisdom, infectious laugh, straightforward yet loving way of communicating, and witty sense of humor. He was a faithful supporter of ministers and pastors, both seasoned and young. He strongly believed in fellowship and could often be found visiting other churches and ministries simply to encourage others and show his tangible support.

Bishop Roberson was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Braswell; dad, Venus J. Sims Sr.; father, Pastor Elvin Roberson; mentor, Deacon Peter Williams; best friend, Deacon Albert McKnight; brothers, Venus Sims and Larry Sims Sr.; daughter, Talitha Bible; and great-granddaughter, Samira Antonette Oglesby.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Pamela Latrice Roberson-Bowman (Joseph) and Portia Latrice Roberson; grandchildren, Shatoya Simmons, Demarcus Simmons, Derek Brown, Damion Bible, Malik Brown, Makayla Brown, Joseph S. Bowman V, Josiah Alfred Bowman, Jewell Mone’t Bowman, and Joshua G. Bowman; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He also leaves to cherish his memory his siblings: Ricki Roberson (Ruth), Ronald Roberson, Donald Roberson (Fredia), Cathie Wilmore (Larry), Bishop Willie Roberson (Vickie), James Roberson (JoAnn), Pastor Sam Roberson, Apostle Ervin Roberson (Carolyn), Evelyn Montgomery (James), Elder Linda Montgomery (Willie), Elaine Uddyback (Richard), Tracey Sirmans (Larry), and Sherry Roberson. He also leaves his special cousin and brother, Curtis Wells Sr. (Karen), and God-given brother, Robert Thomas Sr.

Bishop Roberson was also blessed with many beloved godchildren. His goddaughters include Toya Williams, Karen Belin, the late Roshelle Goodman, Vanessa Tablada, Ethel Jackson-Martin, Telisha Garrett, Patrice Fortun’e, Tammy Atkins, Richelle Lewton, Janet Mathis, Kimberly S. Dunn, and Keisha Scarlett; and his godson, Darry Wilmore.

He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, church family, and countless others whose lives were touched by his love, ministry, generosity, and friendship.

Bishop Alfred Lee Roberson’s life was a true testament to hard work, dedication, faith, service, and genuine love. His life and legacy will continue to speak through the countless lives he touched, the souls he helped lead to Christ, the family he loved so deeply, and the Kingdom work to which he faithfully devoted his life.