Roberta Jean Respess

Roberta Respess, a lifelong resident of Virginia, died on August 14, 2015 at the age of 66. Roberta was born in Gwynn's Island, Virginia on August 16, 1948. She graduated from Matthews High School in 1966 and later earned her certification as a Certified Medical Assistant from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in 1977. She would later work at the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System for 26 years before retiring in 2012. Many of her friends remember Roberta as a free spirit. She cherished being part of the Tidewater Virginia Hippies where she had many lifelong friends. Yet, what Roberta cherished most of all was being married to her husband John "Kim" Cervenak whom she lost last November. They were married on April 15, 1995. Roberta also loved animals and was active in the local Society for the Prevention of the Cruelty to Animals (SPSA) having rescued many dogs and cats. Roberta is survived by many friends and family that love her and will remember her fondly. Services will be held Thursday August 20, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Nelsen Funeral Home on South Laburnum Avenue.