December 28, 1948 – February 5, 2026
Edward “Eddie” Tarpeh Roberts, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, man of deep faith, and celebrated Liberian and American soccer legend, entered eternal rest on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the age of 77.
Born on December 28, 1948, in Monrovia, Liberia, Edward was the son of the late Samuel Roberts and Victoria Roberts (née Duncan). From an early age, he was shaped by strong family values, discipline, faith, and a deep love for sports—particularly soccer—which would become a defining thread throughout his life.
Edward received his early education at St. Patrick’s Elementary School and College of West Africa High School in Monrovia, Liberia. A gifted athlete, he rose quickly through Liberia’s football ranks and became a standout midfielder for the legendary Mighty Barolle Football Club—affectionately known as the “Rollers”—during the 1964 season. Mighty Barolle is one of the founding and most decorated football clubs in Liberia, and Edward proudly contributed to its storied legacy. His talent and leadership earned him selection to the Liberian National Team in 1965, where he played alongside many of his Barolle teammates, representing his country with pride and distinction.
Edward’s exceptional soccer ability opened doors beyond Liberia. He traveled to the United States on a soccer scholarship to Ohio University in Athens, Ohio—an opportunity that shaped the next chapter of his life. He graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management.
During his collegiate career, Edward distinguished himself as one of the most accomplished soccer players in Ohio University history. He was a two‑time All‑American in 1970 and 1971, a three‑time All‑Midwest honoree (1970, 1971, and 1972), and a two‑time All‑Ohio honoree (1970 and 1971). In 1970, he received the Carl Dale Award as Ohio’s top offensive player and was named First Team Lineman and Most Outstanding Offensive Player by the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association—one of the oldest and largest state collegiate soccer associations in the United States, founded in 1953. Edward held 11 team records, including most career goals (51) and most career assists (17), and accumulated 67 career points. In recognition of his extraordinary achievements, he was inducted into the Ohio University Hall of Fame.
Following his university years, Edward spent most of his adult life in Cleveland, Ohio, before later relocating to Raleigh, North Carolina. Professionally, he built a successful career in retail sales management, specializing in menswear—an industry well‑suited to his meticulous fashion sense and personal elegance. Later, he served as a Case Manager at a behavioral health and social service organization, where he worked compassionately to improve the lives of children and families in Ohio.
A man of unwavering faith, Edward was a devoted Methodist and an active member of Orange Grove Missionary Baptist Church. His life was guided by his deep belief in God, a commitment he often summarized with his cherished phrase: “To God be the Glory.”
Edward was known for his integrity, generosity, warmth, strong family values, and impeccable sense of style. He was athletic, joyful, deeply loving, and devoted—a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Beyond soccer, he found joy in family, fashion, religion, dancing, tennis, and fellowship.
Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Victoria Roberts; his brothers Augustus Roberts (Gladys), Kanty Roberts (Theresa), Emmanuel Roberts, and Joseph Roberts.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 24 years, Etmonia Cooper‑Roberts; his children Miketta Roberts, Mietta Roberts, Montee Roberts, and Ernest Roberts; his beloved bonus daughters, Llewenella Arlene Dixon, Janelle Bass Hawthorne (Khalid), and Davreen Dixon; his grandchildren Ameerah Roberts, Montee Roberts Jr., Markese Roberts, Aliyah Roberts, Terran Wonokay, James Hawthorne, and Noelle Hawthorne; and his great‑grandchildren Nalani Noelle Pettit and Makai Xavier Pettit. He is also survived by his brothers Nah Roberts (Fatu), Samuel Roberts (Jewel), and Charles Roberts (Ruth); his sister Adelaide Harris (Anthony); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends across Liberia and the United States.
Wake services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612.
Funeral services will take place at Orange Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 505 East End Ave, Durham, NC 27703, with viewing at 9:00 a.m. and service at 10:00 a.m.
Interment will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612.
Hotel Information:
Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh-Durham Airport/Brier Creek
10600 Little Brier Creek Ln, Raleigh, NC 27617
(919) 472-1000
Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh-Durham Airport/Brier Creek
10600 Little Brier Creek Ln, Raleigh, NC 27617
(919) 472-1005
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raleigh Airport – Brier Creek by IHG
10450 Little Brier Creek Ln, Raleigh, NC 27617
(919) 748-4801
Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport-Brier Creek
8021 Arco Corporate Dr, Raleigh, NC 27617
(919) 484-0500
Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Airport Brier Creek
8001 Arco Corporate Dr, Raleigh, NC 27617
(919) 572-2200
Contacts:
Adelaide Harris – (513) 602-7884
Miketta Roberts – (216) 269-8481
Janelle Bass Hawthorne – (216) 832-7897
