Garther Roberson Jr. was born in Ypsilanti in 1928 to Garther Sr. and Estella (Sears) Roberson. Garther Sr. was a long-time pastor for Ypsilanti’s historic Second Baptist church on South Hamilton Street. Leading the church through the crucial years of the Depression, World War Two and its aftermath, Rev, Roberson became a legendary figure in the city. Several of his sons followed him into the minister, including S.L. and Garther Jr. Gather Jr. became pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in 1979, where he continues to minister.