Herbert Roberts Sr

October 17, 1922 – January 19, 2008

“A devoted husband, father, minister, and community servant whose life reflected a steadfast commitment to faith, family, and service.”

Quick Facts

Full Name	Herbert Roberts Sr.
Born	October 17, 1922
Birthplace	Early Branch / Broxton Township Region, South Carolina
Died	January 19, 2008
Place of Death	Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia
Burial	Forest Lawn Southern Heritage Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia
Parents	Joseph Wiley Roberts Sr. and Isabelle “Belle” Sineath Crosby
Wife	Vena Belger Chassereau (Divorced) (Deceased)
Children	Herbert Roberts Jr.
Wife	Pauline Virginia “Virginia” Verdell Royal Roberts
Marriage Date	June 26, 1949
Children	Joseph Roberts, and Dr. Gary M. Roberts
Occupation	Machine Operator, Union Camp Corporation / Furniture Salesman: Altman Sales Co. & Herbert’s Sales / Pastor
Known For	Baptist Minister, Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent Faith, Charity, Family Leadership, Church Service, Church Leadership

Early Life

Born on October 17, 1922, in the South Carolina Lowcountry, Herbert Roberts was raised in a family deeply rooted in faith, hard work, and community service. He grew up watching his father, Joseph Wiley Roberts Sr., lead both his household and church community with quiet strength and unwavering Christian conviction. These early experiences helped shape Herbert’s character and established the values that would guide him throughout his life.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Herbert witnessed firsthand the importance of perseverance, generosity, and helping neighbors in times of need. The lessons learned during those formative years would remain with him for the rest of his life.

Marriage & Family

On June 26, 1949, Herbert married Pauline Virginia “Virginia” Verdell Royal, beginning a partnership that would span nearly six decades. Together they built a loving home founded on faith, devotion, and service to others.
Their marriage was blessed with three sons:

Herbert Roberts Jr. (from a previous marriage)
Joseph Roberts
Dr. Gary M. Roberts

Herbert and Virginia worked side by side throughout their lives, not only as husband and wife but also as ministry partners. Their home became a place of encouragement, hospitality, and Christian fellowship for countless family members, friends, and church members.

Career at Union Camp

Like many men of his generation, Herbert devoted himself to providing for his family through honest work. After moving to Savannah, Georgia, he began a long and respected career with Union Camp Corporation, one of the region’s largest employers.

Over the course of several decades, Herbert earned a reputation as a hardworking and dependable employee. Through dedication and perseverance, he eventually retired as a Machine Operator. His career reflected the same values that defined every area of his life—discipline, integrity, and commitment to excellence.

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A Life Dedicated to Ministry

While Herbert spent his working years at Union Camp, his true calling was serving the Lord. Following the spiritual example set by his father and grandfather, he became deeply involved in church leadership.

His service included roles as:

Ordained Deacon
Sunday School Superintendent
Baptist Minister
Church Leader and Mentor

Herbert’s passion for sharing the Gospel and encouraging others eventually led him to pastoral ministry. As an ordained Baptist minister, he faithfully served congregations throughout the Savannah area, offering guidance, comfort, and spiritual leadership to countless individuals and families.

Virginia stood faithfully beside him throughout his ministry, serving as a devoted pastor’s wife, teacher, and source of encouragement. Together they touched many lives through their example of Christian service.

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Historical Context

Herbert’s life spanned some of the most transformative periods in American history.

During His Lifetime

The Great Depression
World War II
The Korean War
The Civil Rights Movement
The Vietnam War
The Rise of Modern Savannah Industry
The Dawn of the 21st Century

Through each of these changes, Herbert remained anchored in his faith and committed to serving both his family and community.

Family Memories & Character

Those who knew Herbert often remember him as a man of deep conviction, steady leadership, and genuine kindness. Whether working long hours at the mill, teaching a Sunday School class, visiting church members, or spending time with family, he consistently demonstrated humility and dedication.

His life reflected the values that had been passed down through generations of the Roberts family:

Faith in God
Love for Family
Service to Others
Hard Work
Integrity
Hospitality

He carried forward the spiritual legacy established by his father, Joseph Wiley Roberts Sr., ensuring that the family’s commitment to Christian leadership continued into a new century.

Legacy

When Pastor Herbert Roberts passed away on January 19, 2008, he left behind far more than a family tree—he left behind a living legacy of faith. He was survived by a large and growing family that included children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who continue to benefit from the example he set.

His influence can still be seen in the churches he served, the lives he touched, and the generations of descendants who carry forward his values.

By faithfully answering God’s call, Herbert ensured that the Roberts family’s tradition of faith, service, and community leadership remained strong well into the twenty-first century.

Timeline

October 17, 1922 — Born in the South Carolina Lowcountry

1940s — Relocated to Savannah, Georgia. Worked in the Shipyard

1947-1950 — Worked as a door-to-door jewelry salesman

June 26, 1949 — Married Virginia Verdell Royal

1950s–1970s — Worked at Union Camp Corporation (Retired)

1972-1980 — Worked for Altman Sales Company, (owned by Harry T. Altman) as a furniture salesman and debt collector. Also during this time he founded and pastored Faith Baptist Church, Pembroke, Georgia.

1980-1985 — Owned and operated Herbert’s Sales, a furniture store selling and self financing low income.

1985-2000 — Owned and operated a lawn care business called Lawn Care. Retired and spent his later years as a fill-in preacher

Throughout Adulthood — Served as Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and Baptist Preacher and Church Pastor

January 19, 2008 — Passed away at home in Savannah, Georgia after a being bedridden for several months.

Burial — Forest Lawn Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia