Beatrice Roberson

Beatrice "Bea" (Robinson) Roberson, a dedicated civil servant, lifelong learner, and devoted family matriarch, transitioned from this life on July 19, 2026, in Kenner, Louisiana, at the age of 74. Bea was born on October 17, 1951, in Monticello, Mississippi, the sixth and youngest child of Shelby and Lynell (Williams) Robinson. Raised in Monticello, she excelled academically and graduated from McCullough High School in 1969 as the Class Valedictorian. Her passion for knowledge led her to attend both Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, and the University of New Orleans, laying the foundation for her journey as a lifelong learner and education advocate. Driven by a determination to seek advancement, and with the encouragement of her "Big Sister," Charline, Bea relocated to New Orleans. She initially honed her administrative talents across several local businesses, quickly earning a remarkable reputation as a stellar, highly effective employee who cared deeply for her colleagues and supervisors. In 1984, Bea entered Federal Civilian Service as a temporary Clerk Typist in the Office of Internal Affairs with the United States Customs Service in New Orleans. Her exceptional skills led to a rapid series of promotions: to full-time Secretary in 1985, Investigative Assistant in 1987, and Management Programs Technician for the Port of New Orleans in 1997. In 2003, she was promoted to Mission Support Specialist, a role she successfully held for 14 years. Bea retired in 2017 from the United States Department of Homeland Security after more than 33 years of distinguished service to the nation. At her retirement, her supervisor beautifully summarized her legacy, stating, "Bea has a well-earned reputation for being a great steward of the taxpayers' dollars, and can always be counted upon to do the right thing when it comes to the mission and the agency's business." Beyond her professional achievements, Bea was an advocate for numerous organizations supporting American veterans, most notably the Paralyzed Veterans of America. While Bea never married or had biological children, one of her life’s greatest joys and proudest achievements was helping Charline raise her five young children: Anthony Cole, Reginald Cole, Samuel Cole, Cynthia (Cole) Tice, and Lisa (Cole) Frischknecht. She played a critical role in nurturing them, providing unwavering love, guidance, stability, and direction. Bea loved them completely as her own, and they credit her, alongside their mother, for the successes they have achieved in life. In her personal time, Bea was a talented seamstress who took great joy in sewing her own clothes, often toiling away at her sewing machine late into the evening. She loved to dance and was an avid sports fan, famously devoted to the New Orleans Saints. Bea could talk about the Saints for hours, knew most of the starting lineup at any given time, and rarely missed a televised Sunday game unless duty called. Bea was preceded in death by her parents, Shelby and Lynell Robinson, her brothers, Clyde Robinson, Cleo Robinson, and Thomas "TC" Robinson, and nephews Anthony Cole and Samuel Cole. She is survived by her loving sister, Charline Sluss of New Orleans, Louisiana; her brother, Lee Edward "Duck" Robinson of Flowood, Mississippi; four additional nieces and three nephews; a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, and their children; as well as extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service at D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. New Orleans, La 70125 on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.