Louise Roberts

Louise Roberts, 88, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, July 27, 2021 in Ft. Smith, AR.  Louise was born May 5, 1933 in Cameron, OK to John Thomas & Dollie Flourine (Stallings) Watson.  When Louise was still teaching at Carl Albert, she developed a special interest in single mothers and she would keep encouraging them to complete their education so that they could get a job enabling them to take care of their children.  Over the years several let her know how her encouragement helped them to reach their goal.

          A number of years ago Louise started an individual ministry sending cards of encouragement in the mail.  No telling how many cards were mailed over the years.  It was a great ministry but cards were not her only ministry.  She along with others worked in the Sewing Seed Ministry making lap quilts and other gifts for shut-ins.  It was a joy to personally deliver them.  Over the years she got involved in doing mission work at home and abroad.  She did Vacation Bible Schools and on occasion held quilting classes for adult ladies.  Over the years Jim discovered, from listening to people, two words that aptly described Louise: ‘Active’ & ‘Encourager’.  She greatly loved her family as well as her church family.  She will be greatly missed.  

She was preceded in death by first husband, Edward L. Pate; her parents; brothers, Troy, Paul X & Leroy Watson.

 Survivors include her husband, Jim Roberts; children, Debbie Espegren & Mike, Carole Brown, Thomas Sr. & Terry Jo Pate, Mark Roberts & Cynthia Ferguson; 11 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; other relatives, loved ones and friends.

 Services will be 2 pm, Friday, July 30, 2021 at the First Baptist Church, Poteau with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating.  Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.

Pallbearers will be Tyler & Wesley Reed, Thomas Jr. & John Pate, Robbie Babcock, and August Barksdale.

The family will greet friends and relatives on Thursday from 6-8 pm.