Verna Lee Roberts, age 82, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2021. Verna was a lifetime resident of Lakeland, Florida. She earned a bachelor's degree from Florida Southern College. Verna dedicated her life-long career teaching children. She retired from Polk County School Board. Beloved by many, her students continued to keep in touch with her up to her passing. She loved God, life, family and friends. She never met a stranger. Verna is a long-time member of Bethel Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Major Roberts, sisters, Norma Walker and Hilda Ritter along with several nephews. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, her beloved cat, HoneyB, and Tuffy, the turtle Visitation will be at Gentry Morrison Serenity Gardens Chapel located at 3350 Mall Hill Road, Lakeland, Florida, at 10am Thursday, followed by a service at 11 am. If you would like to make a donation in Verna's memory, please consider continuing her love for children by making a donation to Achievement Academy 716 East Bella Vista Street, Lakeland, Florida 33805.