Vermell Roberts-Keys

Vermell Roberts-Keys, 88, of Columbus, formerly of Sandusky, passed away October 13, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio, at Ohio State East Hospital.

Vermell was born July 24, 1938, in Shubuta, Mississippi, to loving parents, Timothy and Annie Roberts. Her parents were hardworking farmers who devoted their lives to providing for their family and instilling in their children the values of faith, hard work, and family. Vermell was educated in the Wayne County Schools.

Vermell was the 18th of 19 children in a family that was not only large in number but also abundant in love. The Roberts family was raised in the ways of the Lord, with faith serving as the foundation of their lives. She attended Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. Under their parents’ guidance, the children learned the importance of hard work and responsibility as they worked alongside Timothy and Annie in the fields. Those early years helped shape Vermell’s strength and resilience while deepening her appreciation for the blessings of family.

Eventually, the promise of a better life led members of the Roberts family north to Ohio and Pennsylvania. The older siblings helped pave the way for the younger ones, demonstrating the family’s enduring commitment to supporting one another. In 1956, Vermell journeyed to Ohio in pursuit of new opportunities and a brighter future.

It was in Ohio that Vermell met the love of her life, Liley Keys, Jr. Their meeting marked the beginning of a beautiful love story. Together, Vermell and Liley built a life and started a family. They had five children: 2 daughters: Laura of Dallas, Texas and Dorothy (Michael) of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. And 3 sons: James of Columbus, Ohio; Paul (Lisa) of Freemont, Ohio; and Phillip (Lorianne) of Atlanta, Ga. They were blessed with 10 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

Vermell was preceded in death by her husband, Liley Keys; her parents, Timothy and Annie Roberts; her husband’s parents, Liley and Mae Erma Keys; a daughter, Erma Jean Keys; and a combined 20 sibling (spouses) nieces, and nephews.

As an adult, Vermell’s favorite pastime was bowling, and she was quite good at it. She traveled throughout Ohio and neighboring states to participate in tournaments, earning numerous awards along the way.

She also enjoyed her soaps. If you called while the soaps were on she would say "I have to go my. My stories are on," or she simply would not answer the phone.

She liked game shows. The Wheel of Fortune and Family Freud was in constant rotation in the Keys household. And anyone with her had to play. They became family favorites.

Vermell, affectionately known as Sister or Mother Vermell, loved the Lord. She served as a proud member of Emmanuel Temple for many years, until illness prevented her from attending in person. However, she never forgot her commitment to the Lord. Technology made it possible for her to attend church from her living room or even her hospital bed. She watched Emmanuel Temple services on online. And even in her weakened state, she continued to spread the gospel to anyone who came to her home or was willing to listen. She was an astute Bible student. She was always ready for a good game of Bible trivia. She also played a mean game of checkers.

Her laughter and wit were contagious. She was a constant jokester, but she could take it just as well as she gave it.

Her commitment to family was unwavering. There was no limit to what she would do for her family. She would move mountains for them.

Vermel laid the foundation for a legacy of love, faith, and commitment that will continue through generations.

Services for Vermell will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with visitation from 10AM until the time of her Homegoing Services starting at 12 noon at Emmanuel Temple Church, 128 E Adams St., Sandusky, OH 44870, where Bishop Eugene Sanders is pastor. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery.