Roberta Everett (Battle), 94, formerly of Folkston, GA, passed away on January 20, 2020, in
Newport News, VA. Mrs. Roberta Battle was born on April 25, 1925, in Camden County, GA, to
Charlie and Celie(Taylor) Everett. She was the last surviving child of 10 siblings. She was educated
by the Charlton County Public School System in Folkston, GA. Roberta married James Carter Battle
on June 7, 1941. From this union, five children were born. Mrs. Battle, along with her husband, were
among the first black entrepreneurs to own their business in Folkston, GA. They operated a
barbershop, and a hair salon out of their home, Black Bottom. Mrs. Battle could press and curl
hair into various styles that would outlast the dry Georgia heat. In addition to her hair salon, Mrs.
Battle would later become known as one of the best, hardworking, domestic housekeepers in the
area. Following the untimely death of her husband, Mrs. Battle took on jobs cleaning the rooms
of the numerous hotels, which once lined Route 301 in Folkston. Though friends were few, and
she stayed to herself, she would allow her children and grandchildren to visit regularly. Often, she
shared stories of her early life as a child, a dedicated wife, and mother. Her pristine and well-kept
home and vegetable gardens were her pride and joy, until her health began to fail, and she could
no longer live on her own.
Mrs. Battle is preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Celie Everett, her siblings, Odell
Maynor, Herman Everett, Sarvility Everett-Ellis, Piccola Everett-Lewis, Noah Everett, Ferris
Everett, Annibel Everett-Mitchell, Robert Everett, Charlie Everett, Jr.; her husband, James Carter
Battle, her two sons, Freddie Lee Battle (Betty) and James Battle.
Mrs. Battle leaves behind, her surviving daughters, Ethel Milton-Jester (Jim), whom she resided with in News, VA, Ann Newport Dasher (Ferman) of Folkston, GA, and Denelle Battle of New Haven, CT. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren,
and one great-great-great grandson whom she had the pleasure of meeting. Lastly, Mrs. Battle is
survived by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, who called periodically to check on her.