Verna Ivy May Roberts

1925-2018

Born December 6, 1925 Verna Roberts went to be with her Lord April 27, 2018 at the age of 92.

Verna was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Christian parents Charles and Martha Currie. At 5 years of age she was baptized with the Holy Spirit.

The family moved to Vancouver where her mother went to be with the Lord when Verna was only 12 years old. Her father married Esther Nordby in 1939 and Verna became close to her new mother.

As a teen Verna evangelized with Rev. Lillian Sieker in Merritt where she had the privilege of leading a young girl named Lenora to the Lord. They have been lifetime friends. Returning to Vancouver in 1944 she attended Pacific Coast Bible College.

After travelling with Shirley Anderson in Canada and the USA for 7 years as evangelists and pastors the pair joined Verna’s parents in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1953.

Verna married fellow missionary Albert Roberts June 25, 1960.

Following 19 years evangelizing, planting churches and working in the education system in Southern Rhodesia Verna and Albert followed the Lord’s leading to Sao Paulo Brazil. This 1972 grassroots effort of the Apostolic Church of Pentecost grew to 5 churches.

Following 16 years of ministry in Sao Paulo they retired to Vancouver Island in 1987, then later the Lower Mainland. Verna was immersed in caring for and saying goodbye to Albert as he prepared to take leave for his heavenly home in 1997.

Verna became an early resident at Elim Village in 2002 then on to Seton Villa overlooking Burrard Inlet as she perceived someone in need. She continued to look for lives she could touch with the Good News. She loved a good conversation and followed current events and politics.

Changing health drew her into the hospital system, then through miraculous provision to the Harrison in 2009. This blessing allowed her to enjoy the lovely surroundings of Elim Village Retirement Community in Surrey during her last years.

The family is deeply appreciative of loving care by the staff. Verna continued to be conscious of her witness for her Lord, looking for opportunities to share her faith and wanting her behaviour to be a good witness to those around her.

Verna is lovingly remembered by sisters-in-law Mary Cruikshank and Alice Joyce Jorgenson, nieces and nephews and many special friends.