Tanita L. Roberts

Tanita LaShay Roberts, 46, of Rock Island, Illinois, was gently called home on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Visitation is 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 21, at Word of Life Church, 1804 7th Avenue, Rock Island, immediately followed by a Homegoing Celebration at 11:00 a.m. Burial is in Pine Hill Cemetery, Davenport, Iowa. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established in Nita’s memory.

Born December 7, 1978, in Rock Island to Elex O. and Rosetta (Allen) Roberts, Tanita—“Nita” to everyone who loved her—was a proud Rock Island High School graduate and a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, godmother, and friend.

Nita’s life was a steady light of service. With a tender heart and strong hands, she lovingly cared for her parents, Elex and Rosetta. She felt a God-given call to feed those who were hungry—often cooking, packing meals, and serving even on days she did not feel well. Through “Nita’s Ministries,” she prepared hot food, assembled care bags, and frequently used her own funds so that others would not go without. Her kindness reached people throughout the Quad Cities and into neighborhoods across St. Louis, where she knew many by name and greeted each one with dignity.

Nita worked for many years at McDonald’s and later at Jumer’s Casino in Rock Island. She was a faithful member of New Derrick’s Temple. Gifted in the kitchen, she will be joyfully remembered for her famous “Nita’s Walking Tacos,” her quick smile, and her willingness to lend a hand, or pick up the phone at any hour. Above all, family was the center of her world —especially her precious nieces, nephews, and numerous godchildren who always knew Aunt Nita would show up.

Nita is survived by her father, Elex O. Roberts, Sr., of Rock Island; sisters Jackie (Leroy) Davis of Chicago, Brenda Bell of New York, Carolyn Jones of Rock Island, Tanya Roberts of Rock Island, and Vanessa Mosby of Rock Island; brothers Anthony (Alberta) Roberts of suburban Chicago, Elex (Diann) Roberts, Jr. of Rock Island, Elijah (Kelli) Roberts of Fairview Heights, Illinois, Tony (Charlotte) Martin of California, and Eugene Roberts of Rock Island; a special friend, Marvell “Tony” Young; and a loving host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, and dear friends. She was welcomed into eternity by her mother, Rosetta Roberts, and her sister, Yolanda Atwater.

In gratitude for Nita’s life of compassion, memorials may be made to the family for a fund to

be established in her memory. The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at

TrimbleFuneralHomes.com