Virdie Lee Roberts

Virdie Lee Roberts, 99, of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, October 21, 2024, in a hospice facility in Nashville, Tennessee. She was born on July 11, 1925. She lived with her parents and 2 siblings. Virdie learned her amazing cooking skills from her mother. She could make a meal out of nothing, but her ability to cook baked goods was unmatched. From her rolls to her Japanese fruit pies there was none better. Virdie attended and graduated from Howard High School. She was blessed with a green thumb and passed that skill along with her secrets of plant growth to her granddaughter, Erika. Never one to sit on her hands, Virdie was always busy, cleaning house, sewing, working on cryptic word puzzles or working complicated jigsaw puzzles, and talking to her friends on the telephone. She was the social butterfly of her community. Virdie worked at various retail jobs until finding her niche as a social worker for Chattanooga Human Services, working there for over 25 years. During that time, most of her clients became friends. Virdie was a single mother of one daughter, Carol, whom she loved dearly. She was part of the new term “sandwich generation” meaning she was rearing a child while caring for her mom; and did both well. Virdie was a long-time member and supporter of Saint Mary CME Church, Chattanooga. Among those who preceded Virdie in death include her father, Preston Roberts, Sr.; mother, Eva Kate Roberts; sister, Daphene (Charlie) Noble; and brother, Preston Roberts, Jr. She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-love, Carol and Kenneth Brinkley, Sr.; two grandchildren, Erika and Kenneth II “Kapo”; five great-grandchildren, Jailyn, Lyric, Smith, CJ, and Alexis; five great-great-grandchildren, Legend, Legacy, Lyric Jr., Bentley, and Talia; nephews, Tyrone Noble, Calvin Noble, Ronald Roberts and Michael Roberts; nieces, Janet (Jim) Naggles and Renee Chisholm; a host of great-nieces; great-nephews; cousins; special friends, Eloise Merritt, Winnie Sue Dunson, Mary C. Benion, and Eugene Crutcher and many others. Virdie will lie-in-state on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 9 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. in Highland Memorial Gardens with Brother Kenneth Brinkley, Sr. giving words of comfort.

Virdie Lee Roberts

July 11, 1925 - October 21, 2024