Virgus Roberts Jr. Dies at 51

Virgus Roberts Jr. was born in Portland on Nov. 1, 1954, to the late Virgus and Vivian Oldham-Roberts. He attended Eliot and King elementary schools and was a 1972 graduate of Roosevelt High School. Virgus was employed by Cascadia Wellspring Services; and in his current position he was a custodian in a Multnomah County Public Library in Northeast Portland.
Virgus had a sense of humor and loved to joke around. Although he had a humorous side, he was an intelligent man who took care of business. He was a strategic thinker, which is most likely the reason why he loved chess so much and was so skilled at the game.
Virgus was a member of Emmanuel Temple Church for over 30 years. He had a love for the Word of God and was blessed with a gift to memorize it. Virgus could quote Scripture by chapter and also memorized speeches such as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 "I Have A Dream" speech. He quoted the speech with dignity, as if he were King himself. Virgus was asked to quote the speech at many local and national events, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at Jefferson High School.
After a host of liver complications, Virgus died on July 19.
His survivors include a brother, Eric Lamont Oldham; a sister, Debra Roberts; and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and church family. Preceding Virgus in death were his parents and a sister.
Services were held July 26 at Emmanuel Temple Church.