Jean Carroll Roberts

Born in Newberry, SC on February 6, 1925, she was the daughter of Roy and Mattie Cromer Carroll. She was a magna cum laude graduate of Newberry College where she met and married her husband of 64 years, Keith Roberts, now deceased.

Survivors include sons, Dr. A.K. Roberts, Jr. (Frances) of Lexington, Thad C. Roberts (Sandie) of Landrum, Carroll Dent (Richard) of Columbia and Sheryl R. Rhoden (Charles B., Jr.) of Columbia; grandsons, who will serve as pall-bearers, are Dr. David K. Roberts (Kim), Dr. John F. Roberts, Eric Dent, Brett Dent (Margie) Chip Rhoden (Megan), and Thad C. Rhoden (Lindsey). She is also survived by step-granddaughters Carrie Dent and Tracy Dent and step-grandson, Chris Cook, and nine great-grandchildren.

Due to the nature of her husband’s work in highway construction and paving, she had lived in Newberry, Whitmire, Lexington, Costa Rica and Greenwood, with the longest time spent in Greenwood. A few years ago, she returned to Lexington to be near her children. In each community she participated whole-heartedly whenever called upon, acting upon the old adage to brighten the corners wherever you are.

An only child, she found raising a family with an often-absentee husband challenging but affording a treasure-trove of memories for later years.

While in Greenwood, she was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She was active in LCW (later WELCA) as circle leader and president and had been a member of the Altar Guild, church council and chair of the Synod Task Force on World Hunger. A life-long fascination with words, she found an outlet in working with church newsletters, especially a column “PS” which ran in Immanuel’s “Messenger” for several years. An accomplished seamstress, she designed and stitched many beautiful quilt covers for Immanuel's Quilt Ministry.

After her recent return to Lexington, she joined St. David Lutheran Church where her oldest son, Al is the Director of Music and organist. She thoroughly enjoyed listening to him play each Sunday and continued to critique his performance as only a mother can do!

She had delighted in being a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Girl Scout Leader and Sunday School teacher but some of her happiest experiences came later delivering meals-on-wheels for almost 30 years. Only the hot summers and the realization that she was older than most of her clients brought this commitment to a close.

Through her association with the Literacy Council, she introduced students from five countries to “Southern English”. Lasting and cherished friendships were formed that existed to the time of her death. She was twice named Literacy Volunteer of the Year.

A long-time member of both the Iris Garden Club and Philae Club in Greenwood, she had served as president of both.

Her hobbies included sewing, canning and preserving the fruits of her husband’s garden and tending her beloved roses which she generously shared with friends and neighbors.

Her family expresses appreciation to the staff and community of Wesley Commons, Wellmore of Lexington, her Immanuel family and her St. David family for their kindness and caring.

Memorials may be made to St. David Lutheran Church (132 St. David's Church Road, West Columbia, SC 29170) or to a charity of one’s choice.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 13, 2025 at St. David’s Lutheran Church, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at 2:30 PM in Rosemont Cemetery, Newberry, SC.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.caughmanlexington.com