Roberta Ann Grimes

Roberta Ann Smith Grimes, age 90, died in Duncanville, Texas on October 18, 2014. She and her twin brother Robert were born February 19, 1924 in Atlanta, Georgia on their sister’s second birthday. Roberta is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Albertus Smith, Sr. and Lillie Ann Duffee Smith, her beloved husband of 59 years, Thomas Allen Grimes, Jr., daughter Carol Ann Grimes Dorman Davis, twin brother, Robert A. Smith, Jr., sister-in-law, Billie Marie Smith, and brother-in-law, Ray Sandifer. Survivors include sons, Michael Allen Grimes and wife, Carolyn of Duncanville, Stephen David Grimes of Austin, sister, Eleanor Claire Sandifer of Commerce; 5 grandchildren Jennifer and husband James Renfro, Christina and husband Wes Buckner, Dianna Davis, Amanda and husband William Stanford, and James DeGray Grimes; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 niece Janet and husband, Jim Latham, 2 nephews Robert A. Smith III and wife Becky, and William Byron Smith and wife Renee, and other extended family members and friends. After graduating from Adamson High School in 1941, Roberta worked at Sears Roebuck, Neiman Marcus, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. She and Tommy were married October 26, 1944 in the Trinity Christian Church of Dallas. During World War II, Tommy honorably served six years in the Navy as a Naval Air Radioman, Chief Petty Officer. During his last two years he was stationed in Corpus Christi where he and Roberta lived until the end of 1946.They returned to Dallas where he worked for AT&T in the Long Lines Department for the next 33 years. They retired to Edom near Tyler, Texas for the last 15 years of his life. He died January 4, 2004 from a cerebral hemorrhage in Tyler. Roberta moved to Duncanville in 2005 where she lived with son, Michael and daughter-in-law Carolyn who lovingly served as caregivers. Her son, Steve, though living in Austin, was also a contributor to her care. During her life Roberta was active in her church and regularly volunteered in her children’s school activities, such as leader of Blue Bird and Camp Fire groups. She volunteered as a helper with Boy Scouts, as a voting precinct clerk and was a 28 year member of T.O.P.S Club (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) serving in various offices with that organization. A memorable occasion for her was in 1970 during the Vietnam War. She and Tommy visited son Capt. Stephen Grimes in Europe where they met his wife, Melanie, and their new daughter, Christina. Roberta and her family deeply appreciate and are thankful for the loving care and kindness given to Roberta the last few years by the Odyssey Hospice, Doctor Gist and Doctor Astbury, nurse Betty, aides Shelby, Natalie, and Yolanda, and many others. If desired, memorials may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 175, Desoto, Texas 76123 or to Duncanville First Baptist Church, 323 W. Wheatland Rd., Duncanville, Texas, 75116. Attn. “Paid in Full” Fund. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6