The Jonesborough, Tennessee, and Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) communities are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Ellie Roberts, the three-year-old daughter of Teaching Elder Bobby Roberts and his wife, Annie, who died following a tragic car accident in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Friday, June 26.
The devastating crash occurred while Annie Roberts was traveling home to Tennessee with the couple’s two daughters, Mary, 5, and Ellie, after visiting family in North Carolina. Bobby Roberts was not in the vehicle at the time, as he was returning separately from the PCA General Assembly.
According to reports, Annie sustained serious injuries in the collision and required hospitalization and at least one surgery. She remained hospitalized following the accident. Mary was treated for her injuries and later released. Ellie was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to the injuries she sustained and was pronounced dead early Saturday.
The loss has deeply impacted the congregation of Christ Church in Jonesborough, where Bobby Roberts serves as pastor, as well as Westminster Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, where he previously served as assistant pastor before planting Christ Church in 2025.
Bobby Roberts, a native of Asheville, North Carolina, graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary Charlotte in 2020 before accepting a pastoral call to Westminster Presbyterian Church. He and Annie met while attending North Carolina State University, where they were active in Reformed University Fellowship, beginning a relationship rooted in faith and shared ministry.
Church leaders have described Ellie as a joyful and beloved child whose presence brought happiness to everyone around her. Andy Wyatt, senior pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, shared that Ellie was known for her sweet smile and joyful spirit, noting that church members especially remembered hearing her sing during Sunday worship services. Her absence, he said, will be deeply felt throughout the congregation.
The Roberts family has received an overwhelming outpouring of prayers and support from church members, friends, and the broader Christian community. Former pastors, campus ministers, and longtime friends have expressed their sorrow while encouraging continued prayers for Bobby, Annie, Mary, and their extended family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Despite his grief, Bobby Roberts expressed gratitude for the many prayers offered on behalf of his family, saying they will miss Ellie dearly and describing her as “the life and joy” of their family. He also shared his hope of being reunited with her one day in God’s kingdom, reflecting the family’s enduring Christian faith during this time of profound sorrow.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the Roberts family as Annie continues her recovery and the family faces the difficult days ahead.
The death of Ellie Roberts has touched countless lives throughout the PCA community and beyond. She will be remembered for the joy she brought to her family, her church, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Heartfelt condolences are extended to Bobby Roberts, Annie Roberts, Mary Roberts, their extended family, and the congregations of Christ Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church. May they find strength in the love and support surrounding them and comfort in the treasured memories of Ellie’s beautiful life. May she rest in eternal peace.