Jacquelyn Roberts

Knoxville, TN

Jacquelyn Rose "Jacque" Roberts, 86, founder of a local Knoxville community newspaper, passed away Aug. 17 at Fort Loudoun Medical Center in Lenoir City. The daughter of Harold Herriott and Ferne Hite, Jacque was born Oct. 25, 1929 in New York City, NY, and spent much of her childhood in Garden City, KS. She studied journalism at the University of Kansas where she met Ron Roberts. They married in Napa, CA in 1950. A talented writer and entrepreneur, Jacque was the founder of the West Side Story, a successful weekly West Knoxville newspaper, and was editor and publisher from 1967 to 1973. It later transitioned to the Bearden Press Enterprise, which continues today as the Farragut Press. Jacque continued her career as a freelance writer, was communications director at Fairfield Communities near Crossville, and public relations director at Planned Parenthood of Oak Ridge. She also volunteered as a court advocate for abused children. An avid hiker, bridge player and cook, Jacque always loved to travel, especially to the beach. She rode a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon at age 66. She was a loyal Lady Vols basketball fan and attended 7 final fours. Jacque and Ron have lived in the West Knoxville area since 1964 and have been dedicated members of Erin Presbyterian Church for over 50 years.

Jacque leaves her husband, Ron, and their five children, Sherry (Todd) Johnson of Lenoir City, Jan (Bob) Hall of Lenoir City, Craig (Kathy) Roberts of Leawood, KS, Tom (Kimberly) Roberts of Loudon, and Steve (Toni) Roberts of Crossville; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Memorial service 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at Erin Presbyterian Church, 200 Lockett Rd, Knoxville. Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Erin Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Aug. 20 to Aug. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Jacquelyn Roberts

5 Entries

August 23, 2016

We loved knowing Jacque and Ron. Jim and Emelie Davidson, Leawood, Ks.

Deanne Michaelson

August 21, 2016

Dear Roberts Family. I just wanted to let you know how much Jacque was honored by your beautiful and touching service. The stories that were told were wonderful and conveyed your love for your sweet wife/mother/grandmother/great grandmother. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

August 21, 2016

It has been an honor & joy to have known Jacque since we first met many years ago during our years at KU. We speak for the entire Mercer family in sending our heartfelt sympathy at the loss of this beautiful lady & someone so dear to the Roberts family. Peace be with you. Rich & Helen Mercer

Missy Rector Overton

August 21, 2016

Craig and Kathy, my thoughts are with you and Ferriss, Parker and Nathan today. Much love to you all.

Craig Roberts

August 20, 2016

Mom, We will have a celebration of your wonderful life on Sunday. You have been the matriarch for multi generations of the Roberts "clan". You will be missed here, but, know you are in the great beyond! You are loved by so many and asked so little of those you loved. I love you, sweet Mom. Craig

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Funeral services provided by:

Berry Highland Memorial

5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919

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