Jacqueline Lewis Roberts

On August 2, 2023, God called Jacqueline Lewis Roberts, affectionately called “Biggie,” to her eternal home. Jackie was born on July 1, 1947, in Richmond, Virginia, and was the first child to the late Rosalee Lewis and late John H. Lewis, Jr. The Lewis family consisted of four daughters and one son: Jackie, Cher, Brenda, Jonsette and John III. They grew up in the Church Hill neighborhood surrounded by the love of family members, neighbors, and friends. At an early age, Jackie gave her life to the Lord, and was baptized at Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, where she remained an active 50+ year member throughout her lifetime. In 1983, Jackie married the love of her life, Larry T. Roberts. Jackie and Larry enjoyed traveling, fine dining and being in the company of her family and friends. They especially loved Mexico, Barbados, Italy, and France, as well as visiting her niece in Florida. Jackie particularly liked the arts. One of the highlights of her travels was going to The Venice Biennale, seeing the incredible artwork, and meeting artists. At family reunions, she and Larry would oversee the fish frying and they taught the younger ones the fine skills of fileting. Jackie was an excellent cook and always trying new dishes. Her crabcakes were divine! Larry and Jackie were avid gardeners, and, from Spring to late Fall, everyone benefited from the bounty of tomatoes, greens, beans, and lettuce, amongst other things. Jackie graduated from Armstrong High School, Virginia Union University and received her master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Starting as a Teacher in Caroline County and thereafter a Reading Specialist in the Richmond Public School system, she rose to become a principal. She retired after 35+ years and continued to work as a consultant. Jackie will be fondly remembered as a great mentor to many of the teachers and students whom she advised and directed. Jackie also helped many families who were struggling with navigating the educational system. In 2009, Jackie was inducted into the James River Valley (VA) Chapter of the Links Incorporated. As a committed member, she served on several committees chairing Technology, Telephone, and HBCU. She also co-chaired International Trends and Services and the Legislative Committee. She served as Chapter Recording Secretary for four years. Jackie served as Conference Chair, Virginia State Reading Association and later became the President of the Virginia State Reading Association. She also served as a Legislative Buddy for the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals. Jackie served on the Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital Advisory Board. She was a staunch supporter of the Bon Secours Healthcare Foundation’s signature fundraiser, Wine, Women and Shoes, from its inception. As a dedicated committee member, she co-chaired the Shoe Guys and raised thousands of dollars. Jackie was a member of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc., and a past president of the Panhellenic Council. She was an AARP Ambassador, and an active member of the Virginia Union University and Virginia Commonwealth University Alumni Associations. Jackie leaves in grief her loving and devoted husband Larry T. Roberts, stepchildren Lamondre Pough and Lolita Pinckney, her sisters Cher Lewis (Henrik) and Brenda Tucker (Marshall); three nieces, MaShawn Simpson (Steve), Emma Lewis Kennedy and Zoe Feigenbaum, two nephews, Derek Lewis (Tammy), Marshall Tucker, Jr. (Lauren), Goddaughter Jordan Lewis, in-laws Annie Mae Roberts, Ola Purvis, Marie Thomas, Janet Roberts, Johnny Roberts (Mary), Beverly Roberts, supportive friend Joyce Lanier and a host of other relatives, friends, and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, John H. Lewis, III, and sister Jonsette Lewis. Remains rest at March Funeral home, 2110 E. Laburnum Avenue in Richmond VA, where the family will receive friends on Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 4 to 6pm. Celebration of Life service will be 11 a.m. Friday, August 11, 2023, at Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, 2301 Cedar Street, Richmond VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jacqueline Lewis Roberts Scholarship for Educators at Virginia Union University, 1500 N. Lombardy Street, Richmond, VA 23220.

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Jacqueline Lewis Roberts

July 1, 1947 - August 2, 2023