Wendell Payton Roberts, 51, of West Mount Airy

Wendell Payton Roberts, 51, of West Mount Airy, a gifted musician and relative of the family that runs the Baker Funeral Home in Philadelphia, died Monday, Sept. 22, at Aria Health-Frankford Campus after a sudden illness.

Mr. Roberts was a nephew of the late Wendell M. Baker, second-generation operator of the funeral home, and a cousin of Vince N. Baker, the current supervisor.

"He was very affable and very outgoing," Mr. Roberts' cousin said.

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Roberts attended Mitchell Preparatory School in Haverford and then Hampton and Cheyney Universities.

He worked several years at the funeral home and once served as a coordinator with the Mayor's Youth Program, his cousin said.

Mr. Roberts played guitar, bass, percussion, and keyboard. In recent years, he sang in the choir at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church.

In 2001, he married Rose Marie Thompson.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Roberts is survived by stepsons Zakir, Zakee, and Ernest; two grandchildren; a brother; and a sister.

A viewing is scheduled from 8 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, 230 W. Coulter St. The memorial service will start at 10 a.m., to be followed by burial in Mount Lawn Cemetery, Sharon Hill.