Margaret Louise Cabarras Roberts was called to eternal rest Wednesday, August 28, 2013. She was born to William H. Cabarras and Elsie Winslow Cabarras on Sept. 29, 1912 in the Campostella sectIon of Norfolk. Margaret was the ninth of 10 children and was affectionately called "Doll" by her parents and siblings.

She attended Lincoln grammar and Booker T. Washington HS. As a young woman, she moved to New York City to work and help support her family. While there, she met and married William G. "Billy" Roberts, a union that lasted until his death in 1980. They returned to Norfolk after WWII and opened Bill's Diner, a popular restaurant in the Black community. It specialized in delicious soul food for over 20 years. She later worked for 10 years in food services at the Norfolk Naval Base.

Aunt Doll loved to travel and in her earlier years traveled to Jamaica, Hawaii, and San Francisco. She could also be seen every day in front of her television watching Oprah.
Aunt Doll loved God. Until she was 99 years young, she rose early each Sunday morning in order to be ready for the church van to pick her up for church services. She was an active member of Saint Thomas A.M.E. Zion Church. Her love for the church was evident in her faithful service as a member of the #1 Usher Board, Deaconess and Willing Workers.

Aunt Doll possessed a Godly smile and was a very caring, devoted and giving Aunt. She supported her relatives and friends both financially and spiritually throughout their lives. She was there for holiday dinners, graduations, weddings, debutante presentations, births or just because occasions. Aunt Doll loved her family and we say thank you for the advice, for being patient, and for encouraging each one of us to be successful.

Margaret is predeceased by her husband, parents, her 4 sisters and 5 brothers and more recently her nephew, Roland Bowman of New Jersey. She leaves to cherish her memories, 6 generations of nieces, nephews and family members. Nieces: Gail Beaman Thomas, Janice A. Beaman, great nephews: Brian C. Thomas, Arthur Bailey, Kareem Maye, Charles, Clifton, and Donell Cabarras, Alvin Sawyer, great nieces: Thora C. Melson, Earlene C. Estes, Jacqueline C. Cooper, Latifa, Aleea and Nia Maye and numerous great –great nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Her life-long commitment of love to God, Family, Church and Community has made the worLd a better place. Her gentle smile will be missed.

A home going celebration will be held noon Tuesday at St. Thomas A.M.E. Zion Church, 1700 Melon Street, Norfolk. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Viewing will be held from 3-5pm Monday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake.