Irving Jeff Robertson Jr.

1939 - 2025

Irving Jeff Robertson Jr.
08/23/1939 - 09/18/2025
Irving Jeff Robertson Jr., born on August 13, 1939, in Houston Texas, passed away on September 18, 2025, after a life filled with remarkable achievements, profound dedication to service, and deep love for his family and community.

The eldest child of Irving Jeff Robertson, Sr. and Jewel Katherine Robertson, Jeff, as he preferred to be called, grew up with siblings Darhyl, Wendell, and Edward, building the foundation for a life marked by academic excellence and strong values. He was baptized at the early age of nine at Grove Street Christian Church.

Along with his siblings, he attended Phyllis Wheatley High School, which had also been attended by his father, aunt, and two uncles. Jeff's time at Wheatley was distinguished by his active involvement in ROTC, Glee club, Beau Brummel club, and the Honor Society. His popularity led to various class leadership roles at Wheatley including the Student Council and his work as a student community activist. He was well known for being a standout dancer, especially when dancing with his favorite partner, his sister Darhyl.

Jeff attended Texas Southern University (TSU). As a student in the School of Business Management, he contributed to the family business, Jeff's Fine Tailoring, a thriving Black-owned business in Houston. While at TSU he became a member of University Christian Church. Jeff also became a proud member of Kappa Alpha Phi. Jeff continued in student leadership, and his commitment to civil rights was evident by his work to organize student protests against lunch counter segregation in Houston Texas. Upon graduation, Jeff began his professional career at Riverside National Bank, quickly advancing to management.

Inspired by President John F. Kennedy, Jeff was an early volunteer in the U.S. Peace Corps, deploying to Africa where he assisted in business development in Sierra Leone. This experience reflected his ongoing commitment to service and global human rights.

After returning to the United States, Jeff joined IBM in Houston and then transferred to Washington D.C. where he worked to complete his Juris Doctor at Catholic University. He served as one of the first African American lawyers in the IBM accounting department, and went on to serve 20 years practicing corporate law with IBM. Later in life, Jeff returned to his accounting roots, faithfully dedicating his talents on the church staff at Unity of Washington, D.C.

Irving Jeff Robertson Jr. is survived by his siblings, Darhyl Jasper and Edward (Juanita) Robertson, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins who cherished his wisdom, warmth, and generosity. He will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, commitment to service, and his quick wit and sense of humor. His legacy endures in the lives he touched, the communities he served, and the family he cherished. He leaves behind a lasting example of excellence, compassion, and resilience.

A funeral service will be held on October 25th at 11:00 am at McCoy and Harrison Funeral Home, 4919 Martin Luther King Blvd., Houston, TX.