Virginia May Roberson's Obituary
Virginia May (Poole) Roberson, 97, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away on July 29th, 2024, at Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson, Michigan.
Virginia worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for 37 years; was an early member of The National Council of Negro Women and, to her knowledge, the first black nurse at Mercy Hospital, in Jackson, Michigan - which became W.A Foote (West). She then transferred to W.A Foote East, where she spent the remainder of her career, working in various areas, though preferred orthopedic and substance abuse nursing.
Prior to becoming a nurse, Virginia ran the elevator at Field's, did laundry for several families and was a gifted seamstress. She worked alongside her mother at The Elaine Shop, in Jackson, where she was given the opportunity to express her love for the finer things in life and her desire to always look her best, from head to toe - even modeling local fashion, in her youth.
When chronic pain and illness took her from her nursing career, she carried on with her love of hosting gatherings, card games and cooking.
Virginia was a mother to many and "Everybody's Grandma," who enjoyed teaching, exploring her American Indian history, learning about new technology, and trying new things, which she never stopped doing. She was an avid reader, as well as a great lover of many genres of music, especially music which would get her "skirt flying" with the jitterbug - at Idlewild, The Post, or when being bussed to chaperoned dances for World War II soldiers on leave, when she was in her teens. In her love of music, Virginia also played the piano, sang in the school and church choirs and could regularly be heard humming her favorite or made-up tunes. She was a nature lover who enjoyed watching the birds, feeling the wind in her hair and the Earth under her feet.
Virginia joins her beloved spouse of over 30 years, Eddie Roberson, whom she referred to as the love of her life; parents Alphonse and Fair Mae Poole; siblings Beverly Poole, Alberta (Betts), Alphonse Poole Jr. and Pastor Michael B. Poole; niece Sandra Betts; previous husbands Auzy J. Oliver Sr. and Marvin Arnold Sr. She is survived by her two sons: Gerald E. Oliver, Sr. and Auzy (Debbie) J. Oliver, Jr.; Sister-in-law Brenda Poole; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by six step-children: Marvin Jr. (Angela), Jeffrey (Susanna), Cynthia, Roxy, Cassie and Renee Arnold, and Roxy Roberson, several step-grandchildren, and very special friends Rhonda Bicy, Cindy Murray, and Raeshelle (neé Davis) and Dennis Sahupala. Not to be forgotten is her "Bootsy Boo," great-grand fur-baby Louise Mae "Weezy" (Nicole), from whom she received great joy.
Great prayers of gratitude are extended to the wonderful staff and incredible volunteers at Henry Ford Hospice Home, and all of those who cared for Virginia prior. There were those who brought her solace; those who laughed regularly with her; those who cooked her food just the way she liked it; and those who prayed with and for her. She took great comfort in being treated with love and respect. True to her love of learning, she enjoyed being taught new things while also being given the opportunity to teach others how she wanted to be taken care of. She said that going to Henry Ford Hospice Home, where she spent the last nine months of her life, was one of the best decisions she'd ever made. Virginia was deeply spiritual, a dreamer, healer and believer in God. In that belief and space, she developed a meaningful and special relationship with her Chaplain, Kyle Herrick, for whom the family will be forever grateful.
Memorial and special service to be held on August 31st, 2024 at 2pm, at The House of Johnson Funeral Home
In memory of Virginia, please consider donations to the Henry Ford Hospice Home, The National Council of Negro Women, or The Nurse Honor Guard of Southeast Michigan.
What’s your fondest memory of Virginia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Virginia?
Share a story where Virginia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Virginia you’ll never forget.
How did Virginia make you smile?
