Shirley "Susie" Roberts

Shirley Ann (Susie) Minton Roberts passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2024. A teacher to the end, Susie was known for never missing an opportunity to provide wise counsel and hold lessons on life, love and liberty. Susie was born July 26,1943 to Shirley C. and Ruth Henderson Minton. She grew up in Brinkley, AR and was raised in the Methodist faith with the teachings of John Wesley: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” After graduating high school, Susie headed to Arkansas State Teachers College, currently known as University of Central Arkansas (UCA). She enjoyed her college experience and was active in campus life as a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. She earned a BSE in 1964.Shortly after obtaining her degree, Susie began her teaching career in the Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD). She quickly made friends with her fellow teachers. In fact, those teachers opened McClellan High School which at the time was PCSSD’s flagship. Susie taught speech and journalism and sponsored the school’s award-winning newspaper. She loved learning and provided her students opportunities to travel to New York and experience the city and its culture. In 1987, Susie moved into central office administration. She served as spokesperson for the district, directed the volunteer program, assisted with policy development and liaison with the school board. She remained a valued member of the superintendent’s cabinet until her retirement in 1999. In retirement, Susie was a travel enthusiast. She had an insatiable wanderlust to explore the world, learn about different cultures and embrace the beauty of diversity. Of course, she and her sister Linda could shop until they dropped so the various countries and markets they visited were perfect for memorable finds. Susie and Linda donated gifts of time, talent and treasure to UAMS. They were active volunteers and served on the advisory board for about 20 years. You might remember the sisters helping in the Cancer Institute gift shop. Susie was honored as Volunteer of the Year in the Cancer Institute. In addition to her parents, Susie was preceded in death by her husband Mickey Roberts. She is survived by her sister Linda and brother-in-law Grady Harvell of North Little Rock and son Mike and daughter-in-law Courtney Roberts of Springdale. She also leaves behind thousands of students she taught throughout her career and many treasured friends. The family will host a visitation Thursday, October 24, 5-7 pm at Smith Family Funeral Home located at 1921 Main Street in North Little Rock. A graveside service is planned for Friday, October 25, 11 am at Oaklawn Cemetery in Brinkley, AR. The family extends sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff of the UAMS Intensive Care Unit. We will be forever grateful for the compassion and care you gave Susie. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to your favorite charity.