Lawrence Roberts

Mr. Lawrence Roberts, 86, of Hot Springs Village, Ark., formerly of Magnolia, Ark. passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2014 in Hot Springs Village, Ark. Lawrence was born in Little Rock, Ark. on October 15, 1928 to Jordon and Willie Copeland Roberts. Mr. Roberts was a member of the Mockingbird Lane Church of Christ. He began his teaching career in Jessieville High School and ultimately taught psychology at Southern Arkansas University. He retired in Magnolia from a partnership formed to work with public schools to test, evaluate, and improve curriculum and programs. After retiring he wrote a book on his grandfather's family, did genealogy research, wrote hymns and served as a Gospel preacher for more than 20 years. He was married to Cora D. Doss Roberts for 65 years before her death in December of 2011. He is also preceded in death by his sisters; Evelyn Jackson and Charlene Henry; brothers, Jordon Roberts, Jr. and Jonnie Roberts. He is survived by one daughter, Shirley Anderson (Raymond) of Hot Springs Village, Ark. and one son Mark Roberts (Phyllis) of Bowling Green, KY; one sister, Marge Moran (Jim) of Springdale, Ark. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Lisa Simpson, Sara Lawrence, Kevin Roberts, Scott Roberts, Jeff Anderson, David Cogar, Chris Anderson, and Jennifer Anderson and six great grandchildren, Kennedy Simpson, Pierce Simpson, Audrey Lawrence, Elisabeth Lawrence, Nathan Anderson and Ocean Cogar. The family wishes to express their thanks and gratitude to Saline Memorial Hospice and Caring Hearts In-Home Senior Care for their exceptional care during his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Visitation will be Monday, October 27, 2014 between the hours of 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon at Davis Smith Funeral Home in Hot Springs, Ark. Service will follow Monday, October 27, 2014 at 1 p.m. in the Davis Smith Funeral Home Chapel with Wallace Alexander officiating. Interment will be in Delight Cemetery at 4 pm under the direction of Herndon-Pharr Funeral Home, Hope, Ark. Online guest book at www.pharrfuneralhomes.com.