Edith Ponder Roberts

A maverick, an original, a feminist and a true friend, Edith Ponder Roberts passed away November 24, 2008 having just celebrated her 76th birthday. Those who met her never forgot her. Edith was born in Waco, Texas on November, 17, 1932 to Florence Edith and Vernon Ponder of pioneer McLennan County stock. Edith's life-long goal was to become a lawyer. As a girl she was told by the family's Baptist minister that women could not be lawyers. Edith then walked across the street to the Catholic Church where she found a more sympathetic point of view, converted to Catholicism and remained a devout Catholic for the remainder of her life. Which is not to say that Edith did not do things her way: She practiced law for most of her adult life, and she was happily divorced for over 50 years. Graduating from Waco High School in 1950, Edith earned her BA from Baylor University with a double major in speech and television and a minor in Latin. Edith went on to Baylor Law School where she was the only woman at the time. She was unable to graduate from Baylor Law School because the professor that taught a required course for graduation refused to allow a woman to take his class. In typical Texas pioneer fashion, Edith finished her legal education by apprenticing in a legal office under a licensed attorney. She passed the State Bar and became a licensed attorney in 1964. Despite the numerous obstacles put in her way, Edith went on to try numerous civil and criminal cases, specializing in civil and domestic law. Her legacy of both private and public service includes cases ranging from Capitol Murder, Federal counterfeiting, negligent homicide, robbery, rape, personal injury and manslaughter to guardianship and sanity. Edith practiced in 67 counties across Texas and was licensed to practice in Federal Court, Western Division. It was not unusual for her to take on a case pro bono just because she disliked the opposing attorney. Edith was rightfully proud to be the first in many things: first woman to run for the Court of Criminal Appeals; first female Assistant District Attorney in Travis County (drafted by District Attorney Bob Smith) and youngest disc jockey in USA at age 14. As Assistant DA, she presented as many as 38 cases in an afternoon to the Grand Jury, efficiency almost unheard of in civil service. She was also the first woman to prosecute women in Texas for murder. Prior to embarking on her legal career Edith taught Speech and Television & Radio at the University of Texas at Austin as well as Speech, Debate and English in high school. She was a National Champion High School Debate Coach and a member of the Diamond Key Club. Former students still ranked among her friends have credited her with impacting their lives and their success. Community work included a weekly radio show—Ask the Lawyer—legal aid cases, pro bono cases, legal work for Aids clients, senior citizens advisor and a visiting judge. Additionally, Edith served as a Cub Scout leader. Hobbies included fishing, reading, camping, traveling, Court TV and grandchildren. Edith was a member of Santa Cruz Catholic Church. Edith is survived by her two sons, Lawson Roberts and wife Chrystina Sumpter and John Paul Roberts. She was graced with two former daughter-in-laws, Linda Roberts and Sharon Roberts. Grandchildren are Barbara Ann, Travis, Mary-Lynn Edith and Tyler Roberts. Edith and her family would like to thank VistaCare of San Marcos, specifically nurses Shari Christian and Becky Ford and aides Mia Warren, Rosana Burkenn and Christina Cruz, who participated in her care during her final illness. Your selfless dedication, efficiency, thoughtfulness and care made Edith's, somewhat long, transition from this life gracious and peaceful. The family would also like to thank Diana Parrino for the friendship and generosity you have given to Edith. Serving as pallbearers will be Travis Roberts, Tyler Roberts, Richard Delossantos, Kenneth Rector, Don MacKenzie, Darin MacKenzie. Honorary pallbearers will be Rose Mary Lehmburg and David J. Ball. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 7:00 pm on Sunday, November 30, 2008 at Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home. Mass of the Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Monday, December 1, 2008 at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda, Texas. Burial will follow at 3:30 pm at Lorena Cemetery in Lorena, Texas.