Mary Jean Roberts

Mary Jean Roberts, affectionately known to family, friends, and neighbors simply as Granny, was born May 9, 1934, in Arlington, Texas, to Frank and Mae (Ditto) Morgan, and passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, in Grand Prairie, Texas. Born into a family of nine children, she was surrounded from childhood through her final days by a large, close‑knit family whose love shaped her life.

After graduating from Arlington High School, Mary Jean made her home in Grand Prairie, where she lived, loved, and worked for 74 years. Family was the absolute center of her world, and she was the proud, devoted mother of six daughters: Deborah Jean, Teresa Sue, Wanda Louise, Francis Diane, Jennifer Juanita, and Betsy Jane. Through every challenge life presented, her love remained constant as she worked tirelessly to make sure her girls felt cared for, protected, and cherished.

Her strong work ethic carried her through a long and steady career. She worked for Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, and most notably LTV, where she spent three decades before retiring in 1996.

Her life was filled with the simple pleasures of home, fun, and togetherness. She found peace with her hands in the dirt tending her garden and spent many quiet hours putting together puzzles. Her favorite times were when family came together. She loved gathering around the domino table for friendly competition, laughter, and stories. Granny took tremendous joy in cooking for a crowd—especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas, when we all eagerly awaited her famous turkey and dressing.

She carried an adventurous spark. Bingo nights with her best friend filled her early years with joy. Later, she found excitement in casinos and travel, especially Las Vegas. She treasured the memory of seeing Elvis Presley perform, and the annual family trips to Vegas became a highlight of her later years—moments of joy she embraced with laughter and her signature spark, even at 90.

Mary Jean knew sorrow deeply. She carried the weight of losing loved ones, including her daughter Deborah Jean, with a quiet strength that spoke to her faith and resilience. Through every chapter, she met life with grace.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father; her four brothers, Roy, Fred, Billy, and Dennis; her three sisters, Wanda Morris, Ava Pachal, and Patsy Tull; her beloved daughter, Deborah Jean Joplin; and her son‑in‑law, Gary Newman.

Mary Jean is survived by her sister, Lynda Mauldin; her sister‑in‑law, Patricia Morgan (Dennis); her daughters, Teresa Swords (Jerry), Wanda Rhea (Randy), Diane Newman, Jennifer Martinez (Jesus), and Betsy Roberts (James); 11 grandchildren; 21 great‑grandchildren; 10 great‑great‑grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Her life was rich with love, resilience, and faith, leaving behind a remarkable five‑generation legacy. As the saying goes, “To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die.” Granny will live on in the memories she made, the family she shaped, and the love she gave without hesitation.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Moore Funeral Home, located at 1219 North Davis Drive in Arlington.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Moore Funeral Home, with an additional viewing at 11:00 AM, followed by the service at 12:00 PM. A burial will follow at 1:00 PM at Parkdale Cemetery, 701 South Mary Street in Arlington.