Mary Helen Roberts

Mary Helen was born on October 30, 1924, the 10th of 12 children born to Ethel Lee and Matthew Eugene Estes. She attended Houston public schools and graduated from Sam Houston high school. She attended the University of Houston. Mary was a life-long member of the Episcopal Church- St. Christopher's, St. Andrew's, and Christ Church Cathedral. She was the longest serving member (86 years) of the Daughters of the King in the U.S., an Episcopal organization dedicated to prayer and service to others. She joined the junior auxiliary of the Daughters at age 11 years. She firmly believed in the power of praying for others and witnessed many answered prayers. Mary taught children at St. Christopher's and St. Michael's Episcopal Day Schools for many years. She often said that children taught her some of Life's most important lessons and she delighted in watching children learn and play. She was very proud when she earned the certificate of Texas Master Gardener through the Texas Agricultural Extension Service and reveled in the beauty of flowers.

Mary married Ellis W. (Bill) Roberts who died in 1981 and gave birth to four children: Cynthia Ann Bamsch (John T.), Donald Craig Roberts, William Wayne "Bill" Roberts (Amada), and Robert Eugene "Bob" Roberts (Sue). She had 5 grandchildren: Derek Roberts, Mandy Derryberry (Zack), Sacha Fullelove (Ben), Megan Culpepper (Brad), and Ryan Roberts (Natalie) and 14 great grandchildren:Taylor, Ellis, and Ryder Derryberry, Isabella, Amaris, Ewan, Asher, and River Fullelove,Hudson, Logan, Riley, and Nolan Culpepper, and Adri and Declynn Roberts. She was also known to countless friends and neighbors as simply "Grandmother", especially to Maria Santos and family, and to the Garza family.

Mary practiced thankfulness daily, well before the practice of gratitude was popularized by the mindfulness movement. She was especially grateful for her 97 years with her family here on Earth and the many Life lessons she learned. Mary died peacefully in her own home, as she always wanted, on Sunday, June 26, 2022. We will miss her deeply and forever be thankful for her.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 5 from 7-9 P.M. at Waltrip Funeral Directors.

Masks are required and distancing will be practiced at the church. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 6 at 11 A.M. at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 1656 Blalock, Houston, 77080 followed by a short graveside burial service at Woodlawn Cemetery,1101 Antoine Dr. , Houston 77055.

Memorials may be given to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in her memory, The 100 Club, 6919 Portwest Dr., Ste.150, Houston, 77024-8050, or charity of one's choice.

Service will be live streamed on Facebook.com/stchrishouston