Athea Roberts Remembered

Athea Roberts was a longtime, well-known resident of Lexington. Born in 1891 in Colorado, Athea moved with her family to Lexington when she was just four years old. Education was a priority to her, and consequently, she was a very high achiever. She attended Lexington Public Schools, graduating in 1907 at the age of 15. Athea was active in the community that she cared about, becoming the first woman elected to the Lexington Board of Education. She was instrumental in promoting the bond issue that led to building the Pershing and Bryan Elementary schools. 

The focal point in Athea's life was music. She began formal music education at age six. Hundreds of students will remember Athea as their piano teacher, others as the organist at the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington for eighty years. 

Athea lived in her own home until she was 104, passing away a short time later in 1997 at the age of 106. Athea once said, "Your attitude is the most important thing you have. If you have a good attitude and try to look on the bright side, you'll have a good life." Through her music and countless years of community service, she touched thousands of lives and truly loved the Lexington community. 

The Lexington Community Foundation will administer the disbursements of a planned gift left by Jim Roberts in Athea's name to the Lincoln Community Foundation for the benefit of the Lexington community. In keeping with her love of music, the Roberts family has established both a scholarship and grant program relating to music.

Athea's love of music will be remembered for years to come thanks to her thoughtfulness in directing this gift to our community.