Michael Denham Roberson

Michael was born to Denham and Helen Roberson in Opelika, Alabama on December 22, 1957. Despite being born with challenges, Mike enjoyed life to the fullest and never met a stranger. He grew up attending Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp from the very first year the camp was held at Camp Tiak and continued as a camper after the move to Camp Ita Kana for several more years. Mike enjoyed nothing more than riding his bike to the old Gulfport Holiday Inn on the beach with his binoculars to watch the banana boats come and go from the port then come home and draw each and every one to scale. He also watched the ships from Kelly Avenue as well as Teagarden Road and was often spotted by dozens of people who knew him. Growing up on Second Street, Mike had a canny ability to know when a train was scheduled to come through before anyone could hear it and could tell you exactly how many engines and cabooses each one would have. He loved to go fishing with his dad or just enjoy an afternoon ride to anywhere. Mike participated in the Special Olympics competing in bowling, swimming, horseback riding, and golf. He was a great square dancer as well and traveled with his dance group to regional competitions across the country. Mike’s schedule revolved around his favorite show, The Price is Right, and he was not happy if he had to miss an episode. Over the years, Mike held many jobs beginning at Milo’s Pizza, Delchamps, and Jack Watson Power Plant in Gulfport. He was employed at Gulfport High for almost twenty years working in the cafeteria. Mike was the very first resident of the Cheshire Home in Gulfport which his parents were instrumental in establishing and lived there until his death. Mike and his mother were faithful attendees of the Special Sunday School class at Long Beach Presbyterian Church. Mike is predeceased by his father and survived by his mother. He is survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathye & Stanley Butler of Gulfport and Meg & Brett Henson of Pass Christian. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Abbey & Michael Schuhmann of Madison and Zach & Jennifer Butler of Biloxi. He also leaves his great nieces and great nephews Harper, Emerson, Felicity, Jada, Emery, Ace, and Zane as well as many cousins and other extended family members. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Memorial Hospital for their care and support. Anyone wishing to make a memorial is asked to donate to the Special Olympics or Feed My Sheep. The family has requested a private graveside service at Biloxi National Cemetery. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com