Verna Roberson, aka “Momma, Auntie, Granny, Grandma V, and Gigi, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away at age 79 on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 surrounded by her beloved children and grandchildren. She was born on December 7, 1943. Though she was born “Verna Mae”, those who really knew her, knew she despised the name Mae. What most didn’t know was she didn’t care for it because it reminded her of traumatic experiences. She legally changed her name years ago.

Verna grew up in a large family at a time when neighbors knew neighbors and children were to be seen and not heard. She wanted all the advantages of the modern world, independence, education, and forward-thinking ideas; as long as they fit her very traditional values and beliefs. She grew up supporting her family with many acts of service such as cooking, cleaning, nursing loved one’s back to health and supporting them in their last days.  Verna was an avid reader, lifetime learner and encouraged anyone who’d listen to educate themselves. She was dependable, always sharing with others and observant of those around her. Verna had many spiritual encounters as a child and confirmed her faith in God as an adult. It was at that point in her life that she became a faithful member of Pentecostal Tabernacle United Holy Church, where she served the Lord and her church family until her final days. She married Nelson Roberson, Sr. in 1990 in Cleveland, Ohio. Nelson and Verna were married for 33 years and overcame many of life’s trials and celebrated life’s joys together.

Verna was a generous giver and had a beautiful complex spirit. Her children have memories of her being a no-nonsense person and guiding light to many, with a loving touch. As an internationally acclaimed singer/ songwriter (Wayout Records, Cleveland, Ohio), she recorded a number of records and performed locally for her entire life. Many often requested her soulful voice at special events and at critical times in their lives. In her later years, she joined the Love Ensemble Choir and loved every bit of it. Her gifts and talents were passed down to many of her family members who are professional vocal artists and performers. Verna was an amazing performer with style and pizzazz. She gave her life to the Lord over 40 years ago and her walk with God is what sustained her to her last breath.

Verna had a heart for the underdog, the forgotten, and the outcast. She always found something special about the people who knew and loved her. Her favorites things were the color purple, butterflies, family songs, a golden teddy bear, a good fried pork chop, chicken n’ dumplings, and the 5-string quartet that was honked on arrival to let everyone know family was here. She could stop a room with her fashion sense, smile and humor. She loved spending time with her loved ones and enjoyed music, food, games and laughter the most.

Verna supported her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s talents, goals, and dreams. She loved pouring her wisdom into them and was available day and night by phone. She was a great support for her nieces and nephews. Her great-grandchildren loved that she was “fun, loving, helpful, and loved God.” Her touch, love, and many talks/ life lessons will be remembered by many forever.

Verna was preceded in death by both parents, 3 sisters and 3 brothers, grandson; James Middlebrook and in-laws; Robert Roberson and Cynthia Roberson. She is survived by her loving husband Nelson Roberson, Sr., sister; Marilyn Germany, her brother in-Laws; Willie Roberson, Bertonio Roberson (Denise), Alphonso Roberson (Andrea), Alvin Roberson, Calvin Roberson, sister in-laws; Gloria Eppinger, Brenda Warren (Archer), Joyce Jackson (Gary), and her children; Robert Lee Middlebrook, III (Andrea), Karen Lenee Harrison, Kim Lynette Middlebrook, Nelson Eugene Roberson, Jr., Morice Roberson (Michelle), and Lori Law (Antonio), grandchildren; Marirhetta Crosby (Renaul), Eunique Seifullah (Malik), Donnie Hunter (Lawrence), Tiara Middlebrook, Jerome Middlebrook, Sean Middlebrook, Aiesha Verna Middlebrook, 25 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and beloved individuals.

She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.