Wanda (Scoggins) Roberts

Billie Wanda Scoggins Roberts was born on July 20, 1942, and passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025. She was born in Wagarville, Alabama, to Lena and Fred Scoggins.

She graduated from Leroy High School in 1959 at the age of sixteen. When she arrived at Leroy High, she met her two best lifelong friends, Rosa and Glenda, and her “boyfriend,” Sam Powell Roberts. She and Sam continued to date through high school and college and married in 1963. He remains her greatest protector, caretaker, husband, and best friend.

Wanda was a proponent of education and continued her own throughout the years. She was appointed principal at Joe M. Gillmore Elementary School in 1982 and remained in that position until her retirement in 2002. After her retirement, Wanda served as a consultant for the State of Alabama, serving as an interim administrator at Jackson High School and Thomasville Elementary School. Her friendships with colleagues and teaching partners brought her lifelong joy.

Wanda loved to share her passion for the fine arts with those around her. She was the life of a party and loved getting to meet new people. She made friends wherever she went—some rather unique. She never judged but instead approached problems with an attitude of “let’s see how we can solve this.” This was true with her grandchildren as well. Little brought her more joy than spending time with her grandchildren.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Lena Scoggins; her siblings and their spouses, Dorothy (Joe) Pittman, Vera (Brownie) (Archie) Hitson, (Archie), Rita (Clarence) Smith, and Maurice (Tick) (Marilyn) Scoggins; and her son-in-law, David Harold Jones.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Sam Roberts; her children, Barry Roberts, Portia Jones, and Elizabeth (Jeff) Lusk); her grandchildren, Rachel (Hunter) Batley, Bailey (John Ross) Harrell, and Amanda Kate (Matthew) Alexander ; and her great-granddaughters, Caroline Rae Harrell and Ellory Kate Alexander. She leaves many nieces, nephews, and “greats.” She is also survived by her dog, Rusty, a constant companion and “fierce” protector.

Alzheimer’s Disease stole a lot from Wanda, but it didn’t steal her spirit. Her welcoming committee in Heaven is deep and wide.

Visitation will be held at St. Stephens Funeral Home in St. Stephens, Alabama, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with Pastor Jennifer Gregory officiating, and interment to follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Leroy, Alabama, with St. Stephens Funeral Home directing. 

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