It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roberta Ann Thomas, who was born in Booneville, AR, on January 3,1954, to the late Robert Jay and Eula Mae Thomas. Roberta passed away peacefully in her childhood home in Waveland, AR surrounded by friends and family, on August 11th, 2026. Roberta was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt, a devoted teacher, and a loyal friend to many. She was a special person with a vibrant character, generous heart, and a kind soul. It was an honor and a privilege to know her and to be called her friend.

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert Jay and Eula Mae Thomas; her brothers John and Virgil Thomas; and her nephew Robert "Joey" Thomas. She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: Niece, Laurel Dickey; Nephew in law, Dustin Dickey; Great nieces: Alexia, Blair, Aubrey, and Mackenzie Dickey; Great Nephews; Xzavier and Latham Dickey; Great -Great Niece Emerson Dickey; Great -Great Nephews Declan Dickey and Francisco Garcia Dickey.

Roberta was a 1971 graduate of Havana High School. She went on to get her master’s degree in education at the University of Central Arkansas. After graduation she began teaching at A.R. Hedrick Elementary school in Booneville, AR, where she devoted herself to education over the next 30 years.

Teaching was never simply a job to Roberta; it was her calling, rooted in love and care for the children entrusted to her. She was a passionate educator who shaped the minds and lives of countless students. She believed that every child was important and worthy of attention. She always went above and beyond to help her students succeed. Her belief in each child’s potential has had a lasting impact.

Roberta was also deeply involved in many organizations in her community. She was a member and clerk of Little Vine Primitive Baptist Church in Blue Mountain, She became president of Kappa Kappa Iota National Teachers Sorority. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers Sorority, Arkansas Retired Teachers Association, Red Hat Society, and Extension Homemakers Club of Waveland, AR. She was recognized and awarded with many achievements of the years, to name a few, the Distinguished Service Award from E.H.C. and Who's Who of American Teachers. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Roberta found joy in the things that made life special. She was an avid teddy bear collector.

Roberta's legacy lives on in the many lives she touched. The last few years of her journey were difficult for her, but she maintained resilience and stayed true to the Lord. While our hearts are shattered at our loss, it gives us peace knowing that she is reunited with her heavenly family fully healed and whole.

Funeral service will be 10:00 am Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at the Little Vine Primitive Baptist Church. visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 pm Monday, August 17, at the Little Vine Primitive Baptist Church, Burial will be at Blue Mountain Cemetery.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home Danville