Virginia Doris Roberts' Obituary
Virginia Doris Roberts, lovingly known by her family and friends as “Doris” and “Ma” was a caring wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother. She left this world on April 10th, 2021 at the age of ninety-three.
Doris was the youngest child born to James R. Wilson and Mabel Phillips on December 6th, 1927 in Woodbury, New Jersey. Her older siblings were Marion Elenor and Robert Russell Wilson. Her older brother, whom she called Bobby, taught her important prayers and she loved that her older sister, Marion, liked to sing the Marine Corp. hymn with her. She fondly remembers sewing with her grandmother Wilson as a favorite pastime. Her family moved around alot and Doris found each place more fascinating than the next. She especially loved Philadelphia where her and her sister would walk to the parks, libraries, and museums. It is when she made her way to South Florida that she met her lifelong best friend, Marie McFarland. These young ladies would go on to eventually marry a pair of cousins, creating a relationship between these two families that continues on to this day.
Amidst World War II she met a handsome Marine who she knew she would love forever, describing their first meeting as “love at first sight.” A couple of months later she married Charles A. Roberts on June 1st, 1946. They shared the love of the ocean--all things fishing and snorkeling. They were both great cooks, and enjoyed getting the family together around a barbeque. On May 11th, 1948, Doris became a mother for the first time. Together with Charles, they had four children: Virginia Lee, Susan Diane, Judy Ann and Debbie Marie. Doris loved being a mother. She always strived to make the best childhood possible for her children. They would spend summers at the keys. Her children fondly remember her delicious meals, amazing pillow and blanket forts, and taking the neighborhood kids over to South Beach to play in the sun. All occasions and holidays were celebrated with such love. Doris would spend hours in the kitchen to make it memorable. Neighbors and friends became family and they too would continue in the tradition of bringing their families to celebrate life with Doris and her husband Charles for years to come.
On October 6th, 1967, Doris became a grandmother for the first time. She was always so supportive to her daughters and their families. She went on to enjoy a total of eight grandchildren whom she loved dearly. It was important to her to be an active player in all of their lives--routinely offering words of wisdom and inspiration. On December 15th, 1994, Doris gained the title of great grandmother, and would go on to have 10 great grandchildren. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life. She loved unconditionally. She was always prepared with arts and crafts. She adored anything that they made and even hung their artwork proudly on her walls.
Doris loved with her whole heart. She never judged. She always made you feel safe. She cherished her family and friends. Everyone who met her was instantly engaged by her genuine nature and lovely charm. She made you feel as if you were the most important person in the room. She remembered what you spoke to her about. She was funny in her own way and found a way to always make you smile. She had a creative soul and made the simplest of things seem magical. She believed life was a blessing. She believed in working hard and knowing when to rest. She believed in a strong and close family. She believed, through God, all things were possible. In times of despair, she turned to the word of God. ‘Ma’ was sharp even until her final days. She could recount stories with a degree of detail that is hard to come by. She was a keeper of our family’s history, which may have otherwise been lost, and we all loved sitting by her to hear her stories. “Ma” will be missed but not forgotten.
Her stories and her legacy will be celebrated at a funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. on April 19th, 2021 at Van Ordel Family Funeral Chapels at 11220 N Kendall Drive, Miami, FL 33176. This will be followed by a burial at 2 p.m. at Miami Memorial Park Cemetery located at 6270 SW 77th Ave. Miami, FL 33143.
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?
