of Little Rock, AR
January 24, 1930 - January 23, 2024
Just a few hours shy of her 94th birthday, Kay Roberts passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mary Karolyn Ball was born on January 24, 1930 in Brownwood, Texas to E.J. and Mayme (Dishman) Ball. Kay's happy childhood was marked by the family's involvement in life at First Baptist Church in Brownwood and special memories with her doting father. She especially loved telling stories of Patsy Kate, the Shetland pony he gave her and riding next to his horse in local parades.
Following her high school graduation, Kay attended Baylor University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education in 1951. Her freshman year, she met Norman Roberts and their first date was Baylor Homecoming that year. Kay had a lifelong love of Baylor and looked forward to attending Baylor Homecoming as often as possible.
After her Baylor graduation, Kay taught junior high and high school Home Economics classes and then she married Norman Lamar Roberts, Jr. on July 13, 1952. Throughout their 67-year marriage, Kay supported Norman in his career and in building a loving and beautiful home for their family.
Kay and Norman eventually settled in North Little Rock, Arkansas. They became active members of Park Hill Baptist Church. Kay taught pre-school Sunday School and lived out her passion of supporting missions, serving as President of the Baptist Women's group as well as Director of the Women's Missionary Union. She also led mission groups for young girls and teens. From 1993-1996, Kay and Norman served as overseas volunteers for the International Mission Board, taking mid-term mission trips to India, Indonesia, Germany and Kazakhstan.
In her last years of life, she was loved and served well by the kind staff at the Bob and Ginny Shell Center in Parkway Village in Little Rock. Her family is so grateful to them to for the love they showed to all of the family, but especially to Kay.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her children, John and Vivian Roberts, Becky and Joe Brown, Tim and Jan Roberts, Rachel and Greg Ligon; grandchildren, Samantha (Brown) and Trevor Windham, Hannah Beth (Roberts) and Micah Sims, Chloe (Roberts) and Matt Bacon, Tanner Ligon and fiancée, Hope Fortner and Olivia Ligon and great-grandchildren, Wade Windham, Ronnie Ray Windham and Collin Sims.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 pm Friday, January 26, 2024 in the Roller-Owens Funeral Home (5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72116). A celebration of life service will follow at 11:00 am Saturday, January 27th at Park Hill Baptist Church (201 East C Avenue, North Little Rock, AR 72116).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (https://www.imb.org/lottie-moon-christmas-offering/). Please share your memories of Kay at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal .
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15 Condolence(s)
Kay Yaeger Dunlap
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Norman and Kay were so influential in my going to Baylor. I don’t think my parents would have allowed me to go without the encouragement of Norman and Kay. My husband and I both graduated from there. Both of our children are BU grads. I think at least one of our grandkids is already planning on attending in another 5 years. What a profound influence they have had on my family. I’m sorry for your loss, but I know you have many wonderful memories.
Kay Yaeger Dunlap
Sunday, February 25, 2024
Norman and Kay were so influential in my going to Baylor. I don’t think my parents would have allowed me to go without the encouragement of Norman and Kay. My husband and I both graduated from there. Both of our children are BU grads. I think at least one of our grandkids is already planning on attending in another 5 years. What a profound influence they have had on my family. I’m sorry for your loss, but I know you have many wonderful memories.
Claudia Tolleson
Sunday, January 28, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Mrs. Kay was a beautiful woman inside and out. Thoughts of her and Mr. Norman bring smiles to my face. What an amazing and delightful couple. My team and I at Parkway Village Clinic loved and respected them so much. May the joy of all your wonderful memories and God’s peace bring you great comfort.
Alice Jo (Tarkington ) Fresquez
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Kay was a wonderful example of the active Christian woman. I have known and admired her for many decades. She and Norman were important members of Park Hill Baptist from my teenage years into adulthood. They were friends with my mother, Anna Rose Tarkington, and her sister, Johnnie Coleman, and a good influence on me. I cherish my memories of them and send their children and their families my deepest condolences. May God comfort you and guide you always. Love in Christ, Alice Jo
Beth Westenhaver Weatherford
Friday, January 26, 2024
Kay and Norman were part of my foundation growing up at PHBC. They were always so gracious and supportive.
Sorry for your loss.
Liz Reeves
Friday, January 26, 2024
What a privilege to serve our Lord with Kaye in the Grace Sunday School Class at Immanuel Baptist Church as long as she could attend. What a joy she was when I visited her at the Shell center. I praise our Lord for letting our paths cross in her last years. She blessed me!!! Love and sympathy to her loved ones!
Joann Goatcher
Friday, January 26, 2024
My husband Earl. And I have known and loved Kay and Norman for over 60 years. We enjoyed fellowship together and the men worked together. Earl was in the Shell center along with Kay and I had the privilege of seeing her daily and hearing her reading to the residents. She also sang hymns with us there on Wednesday morning. She was a sweetheart. We will miss her! Praying for her family today. Sincerely, Joann Goatcher
Rachel Frey
Friday, January 26, 2024
Loved viewing the pictures that brought back many memories of your dad as Asst. Administrator of Baptist Hospital. I was a student from 1958-1961 then worked a year+ as RN.
I am friend to Diane Ligon. She has kept me informed of the family since moving to Austin.
Norman and shirley clifton
Friday, January 26, 2024
Rachel and family, we know you will miss your sweet mom. Our prays are with you in this time of great loss.
Prayers are send your way today
Donald R Wallace
Friday, January 26, 2024
We were always impressed with Norma and Kay's service as international missionaries. Blessings and comfort to the family.
Sharon Hallmark
Friday, January 26, 2024
I wish I had known Kay in her younger years! She was such a lovely person and I know her family misses her terribly. May God comfort you with happy memories and His promise that you will be reunited some day!
Jerry and Fran Nichols
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Jerry & I send our love and condolences to all of the family. Kay was a special lady - great example of Christian woman.
Scott Goodrich
Thursday, January 25, 2024
It’s so good to see a life well lived and to see the fruits of that live on! I’m sorry for the loss to her family, but thrilled for the joy she’s experiencing now!
Donna Ewing
Thursday, January 25, 2024
So sorry for your loss but rejoicing in her freedom! May God’s peace and grace surround you and your family as you navigate these next days and weeks! We love you and are hear to support you! ??
Peggy Rook
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Condolences to the family and so sorry for your loss. She lived a beautiful life and now has her angel wings. Prayers for all of the family.