Doris Alston Roberts was born to Wilbert and Myrtle Alston in Durham County, North Carolina, on May 18, 1942. At an early age, her family moved to Greensboro, North Carolina. She attended Washington Street Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, Dudley High School, and received her B.S. of Elementary Education at Bennett College in 1964. There were two children in the Alston family, one boy, Wilbert Alston, Jr., and one girl, Doris Alston. Doris's brother, Wilbert Alston (Lativia Alston) preceded her in death.

Doris was a member of Trinity A.M.E Zion for over 50 years. She was involved in the Cathedral Choir and a member of The Daughters of Conference.

After completing her degree at Bennett College, Doris Roberts pursued a career in elementary education. She started her teaching career in Pittsylvania County Schools in Virginia.  She started the first Head Start program in the state of Virginia in 1967. She was one of the first black women to accomplish this achievement. Her accolades include being the first black woman in Rockingham County that started the integration of schools and the first year-round program. She started the first reading program in that county as well. Doris loved and devoted her life to teaching children. She was a well decorated teacher, selected three times, as the Teacher of The Year in Rockingham County.

At the age of 32, Doris met and married the love of her life, Leon Issac Roberts, Jr., until death departed them. From that union one child was born, Leon Roberts, III (LaShawna Roberts), and she gained a stepdaughter, Brenda Anderson (James Anderson).   Leon blessed Doris with two grandchildren (Jordan Roberts and Jayden Roberts) and Brenda blessed Doris with three grandchildren (James Anderson, Jr., Roy Anderson, and Joshua Anderson).  Doris also leaves two sisters-in-law, Ella Spates-Fauntleroy and Lativia Alston and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service with family and friends is 10:00 am Saturday September 25, 2021 in Guilford Memorial Park 6000 Gate City Blvd. Greensboro, NC Hargett Funeral Service is assisting the family.  Livestreaming of the service is available. The Livestream code is: roberts092521