Pastor Buddy Roberts He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4: 18 Pastor Buddy Roberts was born as Jesse Joseph Roberts, Jr. in St. Rose, Louisiana on July 3, 1939, to Jesse Joseph Roberts, Sr. and Rene Friloux Roberts. Both the Roberts (formerly Robert) and Friloux families have deep roots in south Louisiana, with record of some members of the families in the area when it was still a French colony. Pastor Buddy was born at Charity Hospital in New Orleans in humble beginnings, but possessing a determined and entrepreneurial spirit, he left home right after high school and pursued a career in cosmetology. After working in a salon, he started his own shop in New Orleans, which resulted in opening and selling a few different salons. He achieved the success he dreamed of in a relatively short period of time, living in the French Quarter and even owning a Corvette. His career path led him to purchase a beauty school (Slidell Beauty College) in the early 1970s, which became The Academy of Creative Hair Design in 1980. Weathering economic storms over the decades, this would become a highly successful endeavor, and it was ultimately sold in 1998. Although he possessed keen business acumen, by far his smartest move was to marry Linda Elizabeth Abdo, the daughter of Charles Joseph Abdo and Hazel O’Boyle Abdo. They were married at St. Matthew the Apostle Church in Little Farms, Louisiana on August 8, 1964. Married for over 60 years, she would be his lifelong closest friend, rock, staunchest advocate, and the loyal and steadfast companion who remained selflessly by his side through the sunset of his life. Despite achieving success and rising out of a very poor upbringing, his defining moment would be when he had a head-on collision with Jesus Christ. Put off by organized religion at an early age, he had no interest in God as he moved into adulthood. Even so, though his life was on track the way he hoped, he was still empty and unhappy. His search for fulfillment led him to a Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship meeting and an eventual call to ministry. Once he turned to God, he never looked back. Having served faithfully in many different capacities in church leadership, he was later sent out to found and pastor a church in Canton, Mississippi. First called New Covenant Church of Canton, it would become Canton Christian Center, where he would spend the focus of his ministry career. Pastor Buddy retired from full-time ministry in 2009 after years of diligent and unwavering service. Loved by all, he was a father to many, and a man full of God’s wisdom. He was known for his dynamic leadership, insightful teaching, and a love for the presence of God. He was a visionary pioneer, ahead of the curve on many things, including taking a fearless stand against abortion on demand when it was highly unpopular to do so. He fostered an atmosphere of love in his ministry that still endures today. God’s signature on his life was the integrity of his heart, which was so powerfully evident, and the preserving power of Almighty God. Despite ups, downs, and the challenges of life, he was a living witness to God’s faithfulness and everlasting love. His work had, and continues to have, a lasting impact, and much of it will likely not be known until we all stand before the Lord. Pastor Buddy had two sons, Brandon and Clayton, and two daughters-in-law, Erica Ezelle Roberts and Kathryn Marie Roberts. He had six granddaughters; Charley, Emerson, Grace, Bennett, Sutton Brooks, and Laithe (Pickle), and two grandsons; Andrew and Kinler. His only sibling, Gary Joseph Roberts, Sr and a niece and nephew, Dawn Roberts Brown and Gary Joseph (Joey) Roberts, Jr preceded him in death. He also leaves behind a niece, Susan (Susie) Roberts Powell, and her three daughters, Ashley, Jessica, and Brittany. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God endures forever. Isaiah 35: 3-4