of Little Rock, AR

June 3, 1937 - November 30, 2020

Janis Carol Roberts died at home from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma on November 30, 2020. She was 83 years old. The family would like to thank her doctors, nurses and caregivers who enabled her to stay in her home.

Janis was born to Floyd and Ella Osborn Kizzia on June 3, 1937 in Delight Arkansas. She graduated from Delight High School in 1955 and Henderson State University in 1958. Shewas preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Don R. Roberts, her parents, Floyd and Ella Kizzia, her sister and brother-in-law, Betty and David Sullivan and her niece Laurie Sullivan. She is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jan was a home economics teacher and homemaker. She and Don were a powerful team and made an impact in the field of education in all the places they taught and where Don was the Superintendent. They began in Welch, Louisiana and Weston, Oregon before returning to Little Rock in 1968. They also served in Newport News, Virginia, Amarillo, Texas and Fort Worth, Texas.

In each of these places, Jan's support for Don was invaluable. She entertained colleagues and dignitaries, attended school events of all kinds and extended her southern hospitality to all. A career highlight for both of them came in 2010 when the Little Rock School District named its newest school Don Roberts Elementary. Jan was a favorite at Roberts elementary from then on. She supported the school with luncheons for the teachers, visits, and was a friend to the educators there.

Jan was a warm, wonderful mother to her three children. Don R. Roberts Jr. (Sandy) Jon Roberts (Melanie) and Susan Robbins (John). She was a fun-loving and devoted Mimi to seven grandchildren, Rachel Sitler (Collin) Lauren Roberts, Sam Robbins (Hannah), Carly Allen (Terence), Jake Roberts, Erica Roberts and Camryn Roberts. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, Eric, Parker, Olivia, Jackson and Sam. She was an aunt to many nieces and nephews

Jan was a life-long United Methodist and a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Little Rock. Throughout her life, wherever she lived, she joined a United Methodist church and became an active member. She taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible school, served UMYF snack suppers, helped with an infant formula program, knitted prayer shawls and served on the altar guild.

Jan was a wonderful cook and was well known for her peanut brittle which she made on a marble slab every Christmas and shared with so many. Her love for her family, her hospitality to their friends and her many friends, her stories, and her sense of humor will be her lasting legacy.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 3 at Roller-Chenal funeral home from 4-8 p.m. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 4 at 11 am at the Delight Cemetery in Delight, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the general operating fund at First United Methodist Church, Little Rock or to the PTA at Don R. Roberts Elementary School. We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to 50 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com