Roberta June Jefferson

   Roberta June Jefferson, affectionately known as “Nan”, was born on August 24, 1926, in Atoka, Oklahoma, to the late Stanley Millican and Laura Ruby Barbee. On this day, a loaf of bread cost 9 cents, a gallon of gas 10 cents, and a new car cost $350. We are so blessed that she has lived such a long and memorable life.

   Roberta was a woman of exceptional intellect, wit and good humor, who loved to meet new people and make everyone feel welcome. She had a wonderful spirit and warm heart which left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

   On August 17, 2023, she peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a family who will forever be grateful for her loving care, guidance, support, encouragement and companionship.

   Roberta began as a “Military Mom”, and raised her three children on three different continents. After her husband retired, she became a “working Mom” with a dual career in Administration at Arkansas Tech University, and as a state  field director for the Farmers Home Administration, where she had the opportunity to travel and make many friends throughout the entire state of Arkansas. Despite her many responsibilities and travel requirements, she always found joy in cooking for and spending time with her family.  She made her home in Russellville, Hot Springs and most recently in Little Rock, where she enjoyed playing bridge, beating everyone at scrabble and especially working crossword puzzles. 

   Throughout her life she was always active in both her church and community. Roberta’s deep-rooted faith was instrumental in her life. Whether she was living in the U.S., Japan or Germany, she always made sure her children had access to Sunday School and Church. And, whether it was teaching Sunday School or playing the organ, she loved being an active member of the Methodist Church.

   Widowed from her beloved husband, Billy R. Jefferson, Roberta was also predeceased by her loving grandson, Christopher Jefferson. She is survived by her loving sons, Russ Jefferson and his wife, Kathy, of Hot Springs, Gary Jefferson, and his wife Mary, of Little Rock, and her loving daughter, JoAnn Whitmore, and her husband Perry (“Pep”), of Little Rock. She was the proud grandmother of William Nycum, Mathew Jefferson, Nikolas Jefferson and Alexis Jefferson Smith, and the very proud great-grandmother to London Smith and Liam Smith.

  As evidenced by her love of fellowship and family values, Roberta’s life was a wonderful testament to the power of the family.  Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 29th, from 11:30-12:30 at the North Little Rock location of Smith Funeral Home. We also invite you to leave your memories of Roberta and upload photos to her memorial page at www.smithfamilycares.com, honoring her incredible life and preserving her memory for future generations.

 The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice Home Care for all they did for our Mother, especially Bliss, Caroline, Hallie, Rita, Todd, Amanda and Michelle.  We are also grateful for the loving care provided by Presbyterian Village staff during her final weeks of life.  A Special thanks to Steve, Javonn, Cora, Francisca and Jessica.  We will always be grateful for Mom’s personal caregivers and all of the love they showed her – Beth, Debra, and Parlita.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.--