Cecilia Faye Roberts

Cecilia Faye Roberts, 66, passed away peacefully due to complications of a long-term illness on April 22, 2026, in Springfield, OH. She was a long-time resident of Newton Centre and Dorchester, MA.

Cecilia was born on August 7, 1959, in Pine Bluff, AR to Cecil and Bernice (Taylor) Roberts.

She earned her undergraduate degree (BA) at William Jewel College, her Juris Doctorate (JD) from the University of Arkansas, a Master of Library Science (MLS) from Simmons College, and a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) from Boston University.

She was a trial attorney in Arkansas and Tennessee, a librarian in the Greater Boston area, and most recently worked with the Institute for Human Centered Design in Boston. Cecilia was a member of the Massachusetts Black Librarian Network and volunteered with the now Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium, as well as the Human Rights Commission of Revere, MA.

Preceded in death by her parents, she is survived by her brother Terence Roberts of Paradise Valley, AZ and her cousin Donald (Telisha) Taylor of Bryant, AR.

She is also survived by her Boston medical support team of Michele Klau, RNCS; Felipe Molina, MD; Elvire Bartelus; Christopher O’Rourke, LICSW; and Martin Abrahamson, MD; her dear friends Rev. Dr. Rodney Petersen and Rev. Rebecca Sommer-Petersen and Bethany of Pittsboro, NC, formerly of Newton Centre, MA; Caleb and Natalie Hyde-Petersen of Richmond, ME; and Maximillian Petersen of Chicago, IL; and her best friend, Mary R. Garrison of Urbana, OH.

Cecilia was known for her kindness, intelligence, sharp wit, and her love of Boston, criminal TV drama, Batman, Bugs Bunny cartoons, the Power Rangers, historical documentaries, historical novels, cookbooks, handbags, and tea. She loved going on adventures with Mary and was a loving supporter of Mary’s COMU Siberian huskies, sharing a special bond with Yogi. Cecilia was a steadfast friend who made life better because she was in it; her presence, insight, exceptional listening skills, and hilarious commentary will be missed forever. May eternal light shine upon her and may she rest in peace.

Special thanks to Shonica Bowermeister and the skilled nursing team at Northwood Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation for their excellent loving care during Cecilia’s final days.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later time.

If desired, contributions can be made towards her final resting place at Sunset Cemetery in Galloway, OH by calling 614-878-4692.