Beatrice Dorothy Robey

Beatrice "Bea" Dorothy Root Robey, 84, of Pine Bluff, was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who was a jewel for her church and all lives she touched. She passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022 at home. Mrs. Robey was born August 11, 1937 in Ashdown, daughter of Duke Martin and Della Belle Root. She was reared and received her early education in Ashdown, graduating from Ashdown High School in 1955. Mrs. Robey earned her degree in Home Economics from Henderson State Teachers College, now Henderson State University, in 1958. She earned her M.S.E. in Library Media from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). Beatrice Root married her college friend, Robert Jack Robey, Jr., on August 15, 1958, and started her teaching career in the Pulaski County School District, teaching elementary school. She and her husband then taught in schools in Warren, Crossett, Prescott, Arkadelphia, Pine Bluff and Watson Chapel. She taught elementary school and was a media specialist for 15 years. She retired in 1995 after 36 years in public education. Mrs. Robey was a devoted member of Lakeside United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Wedding Ring Class, participated in handbells, the History committee, prison ministry, UMM grounds group, helped prepare newsletters and delivered sanctuary flowers. She was a member of Epsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Epsilon Book Club, Chapter AU-BZ of P.E.O., Arkansas Retired Teachers Association, Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association and Pine Bluff Art League. Mrs. Robey was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Robey, Jr. in 1987; her parents; sister, Joan Root Johnson and her husband, Jesse; brother, Frank S. Root and his wife, Peggy; son-in-law, Sam Dillard; and brothers-in-law, Gus Robey and Ross Robey. Survivors include her son, Dr. R. Brooks Robey, and wife Kathleen of Hanover, N.H.; daughter, Janet C. Robey Dillard of Germantown, Tenn.; three wonderful grandsons, Robert Thomas Dillard, Jack McPhail Robey and Murphy Martin Robey; sister-in-law, Diane Robey; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Lakeside United Methodist Church with Reverend Judy Rudd officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Robinson's. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 S. Olive Street, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71601; or Jack Robey Scholarship Fund, c/o Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation, 211 West 3rd Avenue, Suite 125, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71601. Online register: www.RalphRobinsonandSon.com