Wiley Roberson

Wiley Roberson was born on Atlanta Avenue in Decatur in 1934. When urban renewal and white flight occurred it provided the African American community the chance to expand and live in other areas of town. “I have had a wonderful life in Decatur, but I’ve seen it change dramatically.”

Wiley Roberson’s parents traveled from Walton County, Georgia to Decatur in 1921. They settled down in the African American community of Beacon Hill, where they raised 11 children. “I was born on Atlanta Avenue in 1934. The Beacon Hill community was our village. We had everything that we needed, a doctor’s office, grocery stores, a movie theater, restaurants, and a funeral home where the courthouse is sitting now. We thrived.”

In the mid 1960s, urban renewal and white flight occurred. Wiley states that these changes proved to be positive for the people living in his community. “We had a chance to get out of this village and expand and go live in other areas which wasn’t possible back then because the railroad track was our dividing line. The white people started moving out and blacks started buying over there. I have had a wonderful life in Decatur but I’ve seen it change dramatically.”

Wiley is a lay minister at the 104–year-old Lilly Hill Baptist Church in Decatur. “When it’s time to go to Sunday school and church, I like to dress. God wants us to look the best we can, be the best we can, and smell the best we can. I love to dress and I love men’s cologne.”

Wiley is a talented singer and is often asked to sing gospel songs at funerals. He also loves to cook. Wiley bakes cakes from scratch and he sells them during the holidays. Wiley’s secret for baking a successful cake? “Take your time, have everything at room temperature, and have a good attitude.”