Jacquelyn Rose Roberts

Jacquelyn Rose "Jacque" Roberts, 86, founder of a local Knoxville community newspaper, passed away Aug. 17 at Fort Loudoun Medical Center in Lenoir City. The daughter of Harold Herriott and Ferne Hite, Jacque was born Oct. 25, 1929 in New York City, NY, and spent much of her childhood in Garden City, KS. She studied journalism at the University of Kansas where she met Ron Roberts. They married in Napa, CA in 1950. A talented writer and entrepreneur, Jacque was the founder of the West Side Story, a successful weekly West Knoxville newspaper, and was editor and publisher from 1967 to 1973. It later transitioned to the Bearden Press Enterprise, which continues today as the Farragut Press. Jacque continued her career as a freelance writer, was communications director at Fairfield Communities near Crossville, and public relations director at Planned Parenthood of Oak Ridge. She also volunteered as a court advocate for abused children. An avid hiker, bridge player and cook, Jacque always loved to travel, especially to the beach. She rode a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon at age 66. She was a loyal Lady Vols basketball fan and attended 7 final fours. Jacque and Ron have lived in the West Knoxville area since 1964 and have been dedicated members of Erin Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. Jacque leaves her husband, Ron, and their five children, Sherry (Todd) Johnson of Lenoir City, Jan (Bob) Hall of Lenoir City, Craig (Kathy) Roberts of Leawood, KS, Tom (Kimberly) Roberts of Loudon, and Steve (Toni) Roberts of Crossville; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Memorial service 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at Erin Presbyterian Church, 200 Lockett Rd, Knoxville. Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Erin Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/knoxnews/obituary.aspx?n=jacquelyn-roberts&pid=181130208#sthash.VWAOe5zg.dpuf