HONORING REVEREND DR. LLOYD ODELL ROBERTS

On 2026-10-15, Representative Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (D-VA-8) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING REVEREND DR. LLOYD ODELL ROBERTS" in the House.

HONORING REVEREND DR. LLOYD ODELL ROBERTS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 161 (Thursday, October 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 161 (Thursday, October 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1091] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING REVEREND DR. LLOYD ODELL ROBERTS ______ HON. DONALD S. BEYER, JR. of virginia in the house of representatives Thursday, October 15, 2026 Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Reverend Dr. Lloyd Odell Roberts, he was a man of unwavering faith, devoted service, steadfast leadership, and deep love for his family and community. His life, which spanned more than nine decades, was marked by a commitment to serving God, his country, his church, and those around him. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to speak through the many lives he touched. Rev. Roberts proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force. His military career reflected the discipline and dedication that would characterize every chapter of his life. He retired honorably in 1972 with the rank of Master Sergeant. Following his military service, Rev. Roberts continued his commitment to public service as a Capitol Police Officer. During his tenure, he had the distinction of serving under the Honorable Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Whether in uniform or in service to his community, Rev. Roberts understood that leadership was not simply a position, it was a responsibility. Rev. Roberts was united in marriage to Barbara Lee Chisman whom he shared three children with. His family remained one of the greatest sources of meaning and joy throughout his life. Throughout his life, Rev. Roberts served several churches in Northern Region and surrounding region, including years of service as Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. His ministry extended well beyond the walls of the local church. Rev. Roberts served faithfully in numerous leadership positions, including First Vice Moderator, member of the Baptist Center Board, and teacher within the Northern Virginia Baptist Association. He believed that the church had a responsibility to meet people where they were and to serve the broader community. Rev. Roberts remained connected to the church and to the faith that had guided him throughout his life. Whenever possible, he faithfully attended First Baptist Church of Glenarden, maintaining a spiritual connection to the congregation that had welcomed him and his family nearly six decades earlier and where he had first answered the call to preach. Rev. Dr. Lloyd Odell Roberts departed this life peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the age of 94. His journey carried him from Williamsburg, Virginia, to the United States Air Force, to public service, and ultimately to a lifetime of pastoral ministry. Along the way, he was a husband, father, grandfather, pastor, teacher, mentor, community leader, and faithful servant of God. Rev. Dr. Lloyd Odell Roberts lived a life of purpose, served with distinction, led with conviction, and walked faithfully in his calling. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Rev. Roberts and his enduring legacy. ____________________