Vannie Lee Roberson

Vannie “Van Lee” Roberson (née Neal), 81, died Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital – Methodist in Brooklyn. “Van”, as she was affectionately known, was born on June 6, 1939 to Ida Mary Neal and Robert Clark.  She was raised in Jamesville, North Carolina by her mother Ida and James Jack Neal.  Van was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters: Sadie, Sarah, and Carrie Neal, and survived by her sister Violet Smithwick.

Van graduated from E. J. Hayes High School in 1957.  That same year, Albert E. Roberson and Van were married, and followed the great migration North to Brooklyn, New York. After Albert’s untimely passing, Van was re-married to Rudolph Verley, and they enjoyed a charmed life together lasting over forty years.

Before her retirement, Van enjoyed her career as a paraprofessional (teacher’s aide). She also cared tremendously about the community, quietly participating in many local organizing efforts over the years she lived in Brownsville.

She was the beloved mother of Ervin C. Roberson, Sr., Albert M. Roberson, Vannessa D. Roberson, and Ferdinand A. Verley, Ph.D.; devoted grandmother to Brittany Applewhite, Erika Roberson, Ervin C. Roberson, II, Renaldo E. Roberson, Allen Ryant, Antione Senn, Ariah C. Verley, and Ava A. Verley; doting great-grandmother to Emily M. Roberson and Skylar Ryant. 

Van is forever emblazoned in our hearts as an aunt you could confide in, a cousin you could count-on, a loyal godmother, and a dependable friend to a host of people from all walks of life coast-to-coast. Nothing made her happier than spending time with her family and friends, all of whom will continue to mourn her loss for years to come.

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