Roberta Thomas Jones

Roberta Jones, of Atlanta, passed peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by family, on Sunday, May 18, 2025, after a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with lung cancer.

Born Roberta Lynn Thomas—affectionately known as “Bobby Lynn” during her childhood—she grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia. She was the eldest and only daughter of Patricia Ann and John Larry Thomas, a homemaker and a coal miner. Roberta attended St. Francis Catholic School from 8th through 12th grade, where she formed many lifelong friendships and lasting memories.

She went on to attend West Virginia University, where she met her husband of 45 years, David Jones. The couple married in 1979 and soon moved to Atlanta so David could attend law school at Emory University, beginning their long and meaningful life together in Georgia.

In Atlanta, Roberta earned her BFA in Art with a concentration in Interior Design, along with her K–12 Teaching Certification from Georgia State University. It was during a student-teaching assignment that she discovered her true calling: teaching art. She began her career as the art teacher at Renfroe Middle School in Decatur, a role she held until the birth of her first daughter, Genna. She then embraced the role of stay-at-home mother to her two daughters, Genna and Jolie.

Roberta poured her heart into motherhood. She delighted in summer vacations with her daughters, always planning thoughtful activities and meaningful time together. Whether through her wise advice, imaginative celebrations, or attention to detail, she made sure her girls always felt deeply loved and supported.

Though she paused her formal teaching career, Roberta never stopped sharing her passion for art. She hosted summer art camps at home, encouraging kids to express their individuality through mediums like papier-mâché, sculpture, tie-dye, and printmaking (including with fish and squid!). She also taught homeschool students at the Decatur Boys and Girls Club for several years.

As her daughters grew older, Roberta returned to the classroom, joining Freedom Park Preschool (formerly Druid Hills United Methodist Preschool). Over her 17 years there, she served as both a classroom teacher and as the Atelier/STEM teacher. She formed meaningful bonds with families and became known for her creative energy and innovative ideas. Her “robot art” projects—where children used everyday metal trinkets to create imaginative 2D robots—were beloved by students and staff alike. She also played a major role in the school’s Day of the Dead parades and other community celebrations.

Roberta believed that everyone was an artist. She was endlessly inspired by children’s uninhibited creativity and their unique interpretations of the world. Her empathy, playful spirit, and genuine interest in each child’s ideas made her an extraordinary teacher and mentor. She never underestimated young minds and firmly believed that anyone—no matter their age—could do anything.

Beyond the classroom, Roberta had many passions. She was an avid movie and music lover, especially fond of new wave music and independent films. Her impressive collection of DVDs and CDs was legendary among her friends. Known for her playful sense of humor and love of pranks, she brought joy and ease wherever she went. Her natural ability to care for others made everyone around her feel seen and valued.

Roberta is preceded in death by her parents, Patty and John, and her brothers, David and Danny. She is survived by her husband David; her daughters, Genna (Joseph) and Jolie (Bryson); and her brother, John L.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:

• Lung Cancer Research Foundation,
• Make an Artist, which donates art supplies to children around the world.

Two Celebrations of Life are being planned:

• September 2025 in Atlanta, GA (exact date TBD)
• A future gathering in Morgantown, WV (details TBD)