Marie Goff Roberts

Marie Goff Roberts was born in Harrisburg, Ark. to Winnie (Dill) and Ed Goff on November 4, 1928. She is survived by three sons, Owen (Rhonda) Roberts of Bald Knob, Troy (Debbie) Roberts of Bald Knob, and Brad (Debbie) Roberts of Pleasant Plains, one brother, W.D. "Dub" (Ann) Goff of California, and sister-in-law, Mary Overman, of Texas. Marie loved her nine grandchildren: Bradi Roberts, Stephanie (Clay) Jobe, LaTasha (Clyde) Johnson, Rachel (Jeremy) Goldman, Ryan Roberts (fiance' Amber Bock), Wesley (Ashlee) Roberts, Kyli (Jarrett) Hamrick, Brent Roberts, and Ashley Roberts (fiance' Justin Steed). She was equally proud of her 14 great-grandchildren: Levi Jobe, Sydney and Taylor Pickard, Jacob Goldman, Brendan, Maddy, and Nicholas Roberts, Asher, Tayden, and Daxon Hamrick, Bryson and Haidyn Steed, Andrea Johnson, and Keegan Bock. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Will of 52 years, seven brothers, Fred, Art, Richard, Calvin, Edward, Guy, and Clarence, and sister, Nina Mae. Marie was a dedicated faculty member of the Bald Knob School District for 50 years, teaching 2nd grade for 37 years and substituting for 13 years. During that time, she impacted the lives of thousands of students and is best known for her ability to teach reading. Marie was the first Bald Knob Elementary Teacher of the Year, nominated for the Arkansas Teacher of the Year, and a finalist for the National Teacher Hall of Fame. She was one of the Bulldogs biggest supporters, often traveling hours to watch Bald Knob athletic teams compete across the state. Marie rarely missed games. Because of her love for education, and Bald Knob Schools, nine family members followed the trail she blazed and became involved in education. In addition to her love of the Bulldogs, Marie was an avid Razorback fan, annually spending springs in Dallas at the Southwestern Conference basketball tournaments and falls at Razorback Stadium cheering for the football team. Most importantly, Marie epitomized a Christian. Her strong faith inspired her family and friends. She faithfully served at the First Assembly of God in Bald Knob for over 50 years. Marie taught the Adult Ladies' Sunday School class for most of that time. Marie entered eternal life on Thursday, May 17, 2012, but the memories she made with her family and friends on Earth will continue to live on. Her impact on the countless she touched will never be forgotten. Memorials can be made to the First Assembly of God in Bald Knob or the Bald Knob Education Foundation. Visitation was Friday from 5 until 7 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home. Funeral services are Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Shady Grove Cemetery. Arrangements by the Powell Funeral Home of Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.