Julia "Judy" Wanzer Roberts

Julia “Judy” Wanzer Roberts 1941-2023 Julia Wanzer Roberts joined her heavenly family in the early morning of December 30th, 2023, after suffering from multiple age-related illnesses. Judy was born and raised in Baytown Texas to Perry and Elma Lea Wanzer. After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in 1959, she attended Sam Houston State University for three years before earning her undergraduate degrees in both English and Education at the University of Houston. Julia completed her formal education by earning her master’s degree in education at Sam Houston State University. Judy married the love of her life, Clark Roberts in 1962, and they remained married for more than 58 years until he passed in January 2020. They moved to Alvin Texas in 1962, and Judy began her career in education as an elementary school teacher. After eight years, their only son, Stephen, was born in 1971 and Julia’s professional path took a new direction. Julia found her true passion working at Alvin Community College helping adults obtain their GED or high school equivalency diploma. Judy both taught and directed an adult education program which offered English classes as a second language, literacy improvement, and GED instruction to countless students over the years. While there were many highlights during her career, perhaps Julia’s highest professional honor was being named the Teacher of the Year for the state of Texas by the Texas Association of Literacy and Adult Education. While she was honored to receive the recognition, Judy would be quick to tell you that her biggest reward was watching her students succeed in both their education and lives. Julia’s love for her students was genuine, and it certainly seemed reciprocated by her former students too. There was a time in Alvin Texas where you couldn’t go anywhere with Judy without running into at least one of them eager to spend 5-10 minutes catching up! Judy retired from ACC in 2000. She and Clark moved to a small home on a little lake in Huntsville Texas to be closer to family. While certainly not rich in dollars, Judy was always on the go, she made a ton of wonderful friends, laughed often, and truly had a blessed life. Judy’s attitude for her life could be best described by a sign she kept in her kitchen that simply read, “The best things in life aren’t things.” Always the teacher… Julia is survived by her son Steve, his wife Tracy, and her grandchildren Emily, Jack, and Sarah. She just missed getting to meet her first great grandson “Clark” who is due to arrive in March 2024. For those wishing to do so, the family of Mrs. Roberts respectfully requests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be directed to: Houston Hospice, 190 S. Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030. Visitation will be held on Thursday January 4, 2024, at 1:00 PM and services will begin at 2:00 PM, both at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 Normal Park Dr., Huntsville, Texas 77340. She will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery following the service. You may view the service live at the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/4749240335

Julia "Judy" Wanzer Roberts

August 17, 1941 - December 30, 2023