On May 9, 2020, surrounded by her loved ones, Jane Chambers of Nacogdoches, Texas left her earthly home and entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus knowing that for [her] to live is Christ and to die is gain (Phil. 1:21). She leaves behind a legacy that lives on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Mrs. Chambers’s memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, Nacogdoches on Sunday, May 24, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. with Dr. Allen Reed and Rev. Andre Simon officiating. The memorial service will be live-streamed on First Baptist Church's website for those who are unable to attend in person.
On May 20, 1952, Jane was welcomed into her family by her parents, James Estel and Hazel Beaver Johnston; her brothers, Jimmy, Melvin, Alan; and sister, Kerma. They resided in Alcoa, Tennessee located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains until her dad was transferred by the Aluminum Company of America to Wenatchee, Washington. In 1960 Jane’s father was transferred again to Rockdale, Texas where she graduated from high school in 1970 and began her college career at the University of Texas.
In May 1971 she married her high school sweetheart, Earl Gordon “Robbie” Roberson, III. They settled in Nacogdoches to raise their children; Earl Gordon, IV; Julie Ann; and James Eric. Jane returned to Stephen F. Austin State University in 1981 and graduated cum laude with her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1982. Jane embarked on her teaching career at Fredonia Hill Baptist Day School following Robbie’s untimely death.
In the spring of 1984, the ladies’ trio at First Baptist Church needed an accompanist and she was introduced to Richard; after a short courtship, they were married on August 31 by Dr. Allen Reed. Their son, James Hunter completed the family in December 1987. During this time she began her teaching career with Nacogdoches ISD holding many positions including classroom teacher, team/department leader, reading specialist, and curriculum instruction facilitator retiring in 2017 with thirty-three years of service.
Jane delighted in deepening her faith through service at First Baptist Church, Nacogdoches. She was a devoted Sunday School teacher and long-time soprano in the Celebration Choir. The lives she ministered to live on as examples of her love for Jesus. However, her greatest joy was being Mom and Mimi to her family. She rarely missed an opportunity to transform everyday occurrences into teachable moments and instill in her children and grandchildren eternal truths found in Scripture.
In 2017 Jane was diagnosed with colon cancer. Despite her intense treatments, she determined to use this journey as a testimony to the hope, joy, and faith found in her relationship with Christ. She continued to attend church functions, her weekly prayer group, and participated on the Sundays she was able by singing in the choir until she grew too weak.
This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it. (John 11:4)
Please make memorials to First Baptist Church Music Ministry, 411 North St., Nacogdoches, TX 75961.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.
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