Jeffry Roberts

Reverend Jeffry J. Roberts went to be with the Lord on September 21, 2021 at the age of 61 after a long battle with cancer. He died at home with his family at his side as he and the family had wished.
Jeff was born in Chicago, IL on November 29, 1959, to Rev. William T. and Betty (Purcell) Roberts, both deceased. During his childhood the family lived in several communities in the greater Chicago area as his father served congregations as a United Methodist Pastor. He attended Eastern Illinois University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois. Though he had planned to start law school, a job offer from the National Security Agency was too much to resist and he relocated to Maryland to start his professional career. After 10 years, and the end of the cold war, it was time for new adventures. While contemplating his next phase in life, he was a stay-at-home Dad for a few years and finally answered the call to pastoral ministry. He received his Master of Divinity Degree from Wesley Seminary in 2000. He began pastoral ministry in the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1998 serving a student appointment at Bethel in Warrenton, VA, followed by pastorates at Mount Jackson/Quicksburg, Bethany in Purcellville, and Springfield UMC. He was beloved for his compassionate caring and relatable preaching. He couldn’t stand still at the pulpit, instead he wandered about the front of the church as he preached. He enjoyed history, hiking, travel, and time with family.
Jeff met his wife Lorilei (Lori) Herlihy Roberts, who survives, at a church camp in Lake Geneva, WI in 1981 and married in 1983. They have two sons, Ian Michael Roberts (Laura), Andrew William Roberts, and beloved granddaughter Ivy Serena Roberts. Jeff was the youngest of six siblings all of whom survive, William Roberts, John Roberts (Sue), Timothy Roberts (Deborah), Lynn Forbing, Sally Roberts, David Roberts. His parents, Rev. William T. Roberts and Betty (Purcell) Roberts pre-deceased him.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Springfield United Methodist Church, Springfield, VA on Friday, October 8th, 2021 at 11AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorial contributions to be made to Springfield United Methodist Church, or to your own congregation in his memory.