Obituaries

Barbara Jean Crain Roberts

Photo of Barbara Jean Crain Roberts
Barbara Roberts, a longtime resident and community leader in Rogers, has died at age 69 at her home surrounded by family and friends. She lived a full life as a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, friend and successful businesswoman. Barbara's generosity to her family and to her community are the truest marks of a life well lived. Barbara was born in Prairie Grove, Ark., and was raised in Springdale by her late parents, Theron and Mildred DeLozier Crain (Sisco). From an early age, Barbara had a joy for life evidenced by her many interests. She graduated with honors from Springdale High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She met the love of her life and husband of 50 years, Stephen Earl Roberts, in 1960. They were married in 1962 and lived on the East Coast before moving back to Rogers in 1972 to raise their three children. Upon her return, Barbara engaged fully in community efforts to support the Downtown Rogers business district by successfully spearheading the start of the Main Street Rogers program. She co-owned a thriving retail business, Pots Etc., with her friend Jan Barclay. She volunteered her energy and ideas toward efforts to build Rogers' first youth activity center. Her commitment and collaborations were instrumental in the completion of the Rogers Youth Center, now the Rogers Activity Center, and Rogers Recycling Center, both of which became models for other communities across Arkansas. Barbara went on to be hired as one of Wal-Mart's first female buyers and for five years enjoyed the challenge and travel. For the next 20 years, Barbara pursued a career as an insurance agent, first with Prudential, and then with her daughter, Kelli, as Roberts and Roberts Insurance. Barbara was a lifelong advocate for educational opportunities for children and leadership roles for women. Barbara's love of nature and environmental education led her to serve as board president and volunteer for the Ozark Natural Science Center. She was one of the first women elected to the Rogers School Board and a founding member of the Rogers Chamber of Commerce Leadership program. Barbara gave her time and talent to multiple organizations throughout the next several decades, serving as board member of Farmers and Merchants Bank and Regions Bank, NARTI, and the Rogers Little Theatre. After being recognized for her outstanding community service with the Rogers Chamber of Commerce Good Neighbor Award, she summed up her appreciation well by saying "I have so many friends...I can't tell you all the wonderful things they've done…I can tell you how proud of our community I am and it's been a privilege to work and live here." Barbara loved to travel and made family vacations a top priority, even after her children were grown. She loved her many trips to Europe and Mexico and throughout the United States with her husband and several great friends from their weekly Friday Night Group. She and Steve shared four decades of great food and better company with their Gourmet Club. Throughout her life, Barbara delighted in artistic pursuits, especially flower gardening and arranging, photography, painting and drawing and as a member of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and enjoyed the years of friendship and fellowship with the Contemporary Theology Sunday School group and the Stephen Ministry program. She supported the Human Rights Campaign, the Clinton Foundation, and the Southern Poverty Law Center among other organizations and believed that kindness, opportunity and equality should be given to all fellow human beings in thought and action. She is survived by her husband, Stephen E. Roberts of War Eagle, Ark.; her daughter and son-in-law, Kelli Roberts and Edward Richardson Brya, and granddaughter Bailey Brya of Rogers, Ark.; her daughter, Dr. Dina Roberts of Vancouver, Wash.; and son and his partner, Michael Roberts and Steve Thompson of Charlotte, N.C., and their adult children, Isaac Thompson and Josh Thompson of Charlotte, N.C., Elizabeth Thompson of Chicago, Ill., and Jared Thompson of Brooklyn, N.Y. She is also survived by her brother and his wife, Dr. Jack and Linda Crain of Charlotte, N.C.; her brother and his wife, John and Sylvia Crain of Lincoln, Ark.; and her brother and his partner, David Crain and Bob Pittman of Vancouver, Wash. The family wishes to thank all of their friends and family for their continued outpouring of love and support. They would also like to thank all of the doctors and nurses for the wonderful care Barbara received from The Siteman Cancer Center of the Barnes Jewish Hospital of Washington University, St. Louis, Mo.; The Highlands Oncology Clinic, and the Washington Regional Hospice of Fayetteville, Ark. A memorial service to celebrate Barbara's life will take place at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Rogers on Sunday, April 29, at 2 p.m. The family requests that donations made in Barbara's honor and memory be sent to either the Ozark Natural Science Center Endowment Fund or the Rogers Activity Center Expansion Fund c/o Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th St., Rogers, AR 72756. Online condolence to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.

Published April 27, 2012

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