Mary Roberts Obituary

Mary Katherine (Dunwody) Roberts will be remembered for her stubborn persistence, love of learning and love of family. Born on September 23, 1944 in Montgomery, AL, she was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, and friend, and passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025, at the exact age of 81.
She was a graduate of Baylor University and later, Texas Women's University with a master's in Library Science. She was a trailblazer for her family and a dedicated public-school science teacher and librarian for decades.
Beyond her work, she was known for her native Texas gardening, love of domestic animals, abhorrence of book bans, beautiful musical talent and constant encouragement to interact with nature. Her successors are now officially adept at picking up most small critters, snakes, lizards and the occasional opossum without fear.
She is survived by her children, Jay Roberts (Antonina), Cynthia Roberts, Josh Roberts and siblings Nancy Daily and Linda Francis (Paul) and numerous extended family. She was proud and beaming grandmother to Andrew, Sofia, Beck, and Gwendolyn. She was preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Lauren Sanchez Roberts (Josh) sisters, Ruby Howard and Janie Renfro and brothers-in law, Carroll Daily (Nancy), Max Renfro, and Gib Howard.
The family is endlessly grateful to niece, Janie Knudsen (Julie), sister, Linda Francis (Paul) and sister-in-law, Mary Maddox, for their genuine care and kindness this past year.
A celebration of life will be held later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Friends of the Duncanville Public Library, P.O. Box 381611, Duncanville, Texas 75138-1611 or the Spay and Neuter Network, https://spayneuternet.org providing low and no cost health services for cats and dogs.