11/11/2025
This Veterans Day, Rosewood Memorial Funeral Home proudly pauses to honor and celebrate two outstanding members of our team, Mr. Melvin C. Strong, Sr. and Rev. Ellis Roberts.
These two remarkable men have faithfully served both their country and their community, and they continue to lead by example through their compassion, humility, and commitment to helping others. Their influence at Rosewood reaches far beyond the workplace, they are family, mentors, and shining examples of what it means to live with a servant’s heart.
🇺🇸 Mr. Melvin C. Strong, Sr.
A proud Army Veteran and a dedicated member of the Rosewood Memorial Funeral Home family for 14 years, Mr. Melvin Strong has been a constant source of strength, dependability, and encouragement. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he approaches every task, big or small, with pride, purpose, and humility.
Known for his uplifting stories and his love for people, Mr. Strong has a natural way of making everyone feel valued and appreciated. His easygoing personality, laughter, and compassion bring comfort not only to grieving families but also to the Rosewood team.
When he’s not serving families, you can often find Mr. Strong enjoying one of his favorite pastimes include watching football, cheering on his team with the same passion and loyalty that he brings to his work every day.
He is a faithful member of Moses Chapel C.M.E. Church in Gilmer, Texas, where his faith remains the cornerstone of his life. Mr. Strong is a loving husband to Mrs. JoAnn Strong, a dedicated father, and a proud grandfather to the Anderson children, who bring him endless joy. His years of service to both his country and our community are a reflection of his integrity, resilience, and heart.
🇺🇸 Rev. Ellis Roberts
Rev. Ellis Roberts, also an Army Veteran, has been a cherished part of the Rosewood family for 3 years. His calm, steady presence and gentle spirit make him a source of comfort to everyone he meets. Rev. Roberts never meets a stranger, his kindness and quiet strength embody the true meaning of compassion and service.
He currently serves as the Pastor of Second Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Marshall, Texas, where he continues to inspire and uplift others through his ministry. His ability to listen, encourage, and guide is a gift to both his congregation and the families we serve at Rosewood.
Outside of his ministry and work, Rev. Roberts enjoys the simple joys of life. He loves coloring on his iPad, an activity he proudly calls “exercise for the brain”, and he makes time each day to walk on the treadmill for 99 minutes and visit the gym. His dedication to keeping both his mind and body active is truly admirable. And of course, no day is complete without his favorite pastime, a good cup of coffee no matter what time of day it may be.
He is a devoted husband to Mrs. Arethia Roberts, a loving father, and a proud grandfather to the Anderson children. His humility, wisdom, and sense of purpose enrich everyone who has the privilege of knowing him.
At Rosewood Memorial Funeral Home, we are profoundly grateful for these two men who embody service, faith, and integrity. Their dedication to both their nation and their community continues to inspire us all.
Today and every day, we honor Mr. Melvin C. Strong, Sr. and Rev. Ellis Roberts, not only for their military service but for the unwavering compassion and leadership they continue to show in their daily lives.
Thank you for your service.