Whitney Rise-Roberson

It is with a broken heart that we share the passing of Whitney Rise Roberson. She was a beloved mother, sister, daughter, and friend who left us on Christmas Eve, 2022. 

Whitney is survived by the twin daughters she cherished, Madeline and Mackenzie; her mother, Sharon Rise; her father, Eric Roberson; her siblings, Samantha and Victoria; her Grandparents, Vivian Rise, Bob and Patricia Roberson; and a wide extended network of cousins, aunts, uncles, and chosen family. She is preceded in death by two of her guiding stars, her grandfather, Gordon Rise and her stepmother, Debbie Roberson.

Whitney was a proud mother and told anyone within earshot about her amazing daughters. She considered them the best thing that ever happened to her. Whitney loved to celebrate the accomplishments of her family and friends, and she always contributed as much as she could to the people and places that made her feel at home.

She was known for her exceptional creativity and would design and print just about anything for anyone. Whether a banner was needed for a birthday, or a T-shirt for a special occasion, Whitney had it covered. Whitney poured love into every detail of these projects and her creative gifts and love for art now lives on in the contributions she made to the causes she valued.

For all of her light, Whitney’s life was not without shadow. In her striving to find belonging and trust the love that surrounded her, she sometimes lost her way. Her passing ends a lifelong struggle, and those who love her trust she’s now at peace.

Whitney’s creativity, devotion to her children, and her potential to love without reserve and give without hesitation, will be missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

An aficionado of all things Disney, Whitney’s favorite movie didn’t feature a typical princess plot, but instead a loveable alien - Stitch. In the movie Lilo and Stitch, rather than say goodbye at the end of the film, Stitch repeats the phrase that Lilo taught him - “Ohana means family - no one gets left behind or forgotten.” 

Like Stitch, we carry Ohana forward and will never forget Whitney and the love she shared with us. As she leaves this life, we will ensure her memory stays alive in our hearts and minds—especially her daughters.

Please join us to celebrate Whitney’s life on Friday, January 6, 2022, with a visitation from 3-4:30 pm, followed by a brief service at Poplar Creek Church, Wauwatosa Campus, located at 201 North 121st Street. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you consider a gift to the fund established for Maddie and Mackenzie.  Memorial gifts can be sent to:

Madeline & Mackenzie Rise Roberson, 

℅ Cremation Society of Milwaukee:

2729 S. 108th St.

West Allis, WI 53227

Digital gifts may be sent to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/joy-fund-for-maddie-kenzie