Marion Roberta Stripling

Roberta Stripling passed away peacefully on August 9,2025 in Arlington, Texas at the age of 87. Roberta was a beloved wife, precious mother, and adored Nana who served the Lord faithfully for over 60 years of ministry.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 16 at 2:00 pm at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Waco, Texas. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service beginning at 1:00.

Marion Roberta Donnell Stripling was born on February 18, 1938 in Kermit, Texas to Robert and Marion Donnell. She was a proud West Texan, and spent her formative years in Midland, where she graduated from high school in 1956.

In 1958, while attending Baylor University, she met Paul Stripling; they married in June of 1960 at the First Baptist Church of Midland, Texas just a few weeks after Roberta received her degree in elementary education from Baylor.

Roberta enjoyed teaching in Ft. Worth public schools for seven years during the early years of their marriage. She was a superb pastor’s wife in Paul’s five pastorates: Emmanuel Baptist Church, White Oak, Texas; First Baptist Church, Joshua, Texas; Baylor Baptist Church, Ennis, Texas; Golden Acres Baptist Church, Pasadena, Texas; and Gaston Avenue Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas.

In 1982, the Striplings moved to Waco where Paul served as the Executive Director of the Waco Baptist Association for three decades. During this time, Roberta played a leading role in numerous associational ministries, including in the Senior Adult Council and WMU and accompanied Paul as he spoke and visited over 130 churches of the Waco Baptist Association. Roberta also enjoyed her work at Baylor University in numerous administrative support roles, including as a proofreader in the printing office.

Roberta was a gifted speaker and writer; she was often the featured speaker at women’s conferences and retreats; she alsopenned an original cookbook entitled The Unaware Angel: A Ministry From Your Kitchen which features unforgettable recipes within the context of Christian hospitality.

Roberta’s status as an exceptional mother and grandmother was legendary. She hosted innumerable meals, parties, and celebrations; wrote poems to accompany special birthday gifts; baked her renowned chocolate cake for legions of parties; chaperoned countless field trips and class parties; and wasacclaimed for her joy, wonderful sense of humor, and unfailing encouragement of all she encountered. She frequently reminded her children and grandchildren, “You were loved, you are loved, you will always be loved.”

Paul and Roberta had been married 61 years when he passed away in 2022. Their passion for travel prompted them to see much of the world, and they were blessed to lead church groups to Israel, Rome, and Germany. They were also involved in evangelism efforts throughout the U.S. as well as in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Mexico, and Russia. Roberta also enjoyed traveling with her daughters to spots including the UK, Italy, and France.

Roberta is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Paul Stripling, her parents, Robert and Marion Donnell, and her sister, Billie Franklin.

Roberta is survived by her children, Paula Jewell and her husband, Kirk, and Mary Nelson and her husband, Alan. She is survived by four grandchildren, including twelve-year old twin grandsons, Blake and Paul Nelson.

Memorials may be made to the Roberta Stripling Endowed Scholarship at Dallas Baptist University. Checks may be sent in care of the DBU Advancement Office, 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX, 75211.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”(Psalm 116:15)

The family would be honored and encouraged for all to share their memories in the guestbook