Tony Roberts

Tony Roberts was born on May 23, 1957, to Mack and Sylvia Jean Roberts in Natchez. He grew up in Jackson until the fifth grade, when his parents became pastors in Louisville. By the time Tony was in the seventh grade, the family relocated again as his parents assumed the pastorate in McComb.

Tony graduated from Parklane Academy and later attended Jackson College of Ministries (J.C.M.), where he studied both music and theology. It was there that he met the love of his life, Jeri Ann Davis. They were married on July 26, 1980.

Soon after their marriage, Tony accepted his first ministry position, serving as pastoral assistant to J. R. Ensey in Wichita Falls. Over the years, Tony and Jeri ministered in numerous capacities, including Pastor, Evangelist, Songwriter, Music Workshop Clinician, Assistant Pastor, Minister of Music, Academy Principal, and Youth Director.

In the mid-1980s, they served nearly five years with O. R. Fauss and David Fauss in Houston, followed by a season of ministry with Rex Johnson in DeRidder. In the early 1990s, they entered evangelism and were blessed to minister across the nation, from California to Georgia and from Florida to the far North.

A significant chapter of Tony’s life began in 1995, when Pastor Ray Johnson invited him to serve as Assistant Pastor at First Pentecostal Church in Denham Springs. They served there for nearly twelve years before resigning in early 2007. Through the guidance of Bishop G. R. Travis, they were connected with Heritage Apostolic Church in Holly Springs, where Tony was elected pastor.

In late 2013, Tony resigned from Holly Springs when Bishop T. M. Roberts Sr. became unable to continue his ministerial duties due to failing health. The Roberts family then moved to Philadelphia, where Tony assumed the role of Lead Pastor at Christian Life Tabernacle. Bishop T. M. Roberts passed away shortly after Tony’s arrival.

Tony Roberts was also a gifted songwriter. His compositions were recorded by artists such as The Dunaways, The Lanny Wolfe Trio, Mickey Mangun, Ministry Quartet, Tim Pedigo, Hal Kennedy, Bobbie Shoemake, The Dixie Echoes, and many others. He co-wrote songs with noted writers including Geron Davis and Lanny Wolfe. Some of his best-known songs include “It’s So Beautiful, The Name of Jesus,” “He Has a Way with Words,” “I Can’t Find the Words,” and “Bigger Sins Than That.” Tony recorded two solo projects and participated in several group recordings, including Roberts, Shambeau, and Travis.

Throughout his ministry, Pastor Roberts served in numerous conferences as both a leader and a guest speaker or singer. His wife, Jeri Roberts, served faithfully alongside him as principal of two Christian schools and was widely respected for her leadership in ladies’ ministries, fundraisers, and Christian outreach. Together, Tony and Jeri founded and presided over the Ministers of Music Association, Inc. (M.O.M.A.), a program used by hundreds of churches worldwide.

Their daughters, Mandy and Jessica Roberts, began traveling and singing with the family at young ages, using their voices to glorify God and inspire audiences across the country.

Rev. Tony Roberts received his eternal reward on March 11, 2023, after a lengthy battle with cancer. His legacy lives on through his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as the countless lives touched by his ministry.