Janis Roberson

Janis Roberson, a beloved 5th-grade teacher, mother, sister, and friend, left this world on April 2, 2025, in her home in Lorena, Texas, her loyal companions, Lil' Bit and Piper, at her side. Born on October 6, 1944, in Port Arthur, Texas, Janis dedicated her life to education and caring for others. For 31 years, she made a lasting impact as an educator in Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Midway, becoming one of the pioneering crossover teachers during integration. She was also instrumental in developing the afterschool program for Midway ISD, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the well-being and development of her students.

An alumna of Lamar University, Janis graduated with a BS in Education, having previously shown her vibrant spirit as a cheerleader in high school. Throughout her life, her passionate love for reading began as a child, where she would devour every book written by Nancy Drew. This love of reading persisted into her adulthood, blending seamlessly with her other interests in gardening, decorating, and celebrating holidays. Janis took immense joy in the company of friends and family, always striving to make every gathering special.

Janis's love story began in a high school Spanish class, where she first met her husband, Lynn Keith Roberson. Initially thinking Lynn was too shy for her, fate intervened as they attended a dance together, leading her to a profound realization that they were meant to be together. Their love was a testament to the beauty of companionship—imperfect yet undeniably designed for one another. They were married on January 30, 1964, sharing decades of laughter, love, and memories.

Janis is survived by her cherished daughter, Erin Martinez, and her husband, Mark, along with their beloved children, Emma Kate and Grayson. Her son, Austin, and his wife, April, continue her loving legacy through their children, Josephine and Fletcher. She is also remembered fondly by her sisters-in-law, Robin Guilbault and Jo Ann Carver, as well as her nephews and nieces: Kirk Carver and his wife Liz, Kim Caskey and her husband Clint, and Courtney Lin Sanders. Great nieces and nephews, Jacob and Noah Guilbault, Slone Anderson and her husband Ben, Madison Sanders, Tyler La Cour, Hannah La Cour, and Ayden Caskey hold special places in their hearts for their beloved aunt.

Janis was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lynn, her brother Dave, her parents Otto and Inell Carver, her in-laws Lenard and Jo Eddy Roberson, and her sister-in-law and best friend, BJ Thomas.

As a dedicated member of the Woodway United Methodist Church, where she served on the Methodist Women in Mission, Janis found community and purpose, as she did in participating actively in the Beta Sigma Phi and Goodtime Garden Club.  She was also instrumental in bringing the Alpha Chi Alumni Chapter to Baylor University.

In her passing, we extend special thanks to Nicoleta Petruescu and Gloria Walker, who treated Janis as if she were their own. We are grateful to Community Health Care and Hospice for their compassionate care, particularly to Sara, Kaylee, Lara, and Crystal. Additionally, our heartfelt appreciation goes to her dear friends Nancy Small, Pat Ridlehuber, and Carol Baker for their consistent love and support throughout her journey.

A memorial service to celebrate Janis's extraordinary life will be held on April 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Woodway United Methodist Church in Woodway, Texas. She leaves behind a legacy filled with love, kindness, and an enduring spirit that continues to inspire all who knew her.

Please consider memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. The Alzheimer’s Foundation .