Judith Carol Roberts

Judith Carol Roberts, 77, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 23, 2022 surrounded by her loved ones. Judy was born on May 23, 1944, to Reginald and Shirley Posner. At the early age of three-years-old, the world discovered Judy’s passion and talent for entertainment when she was dancing on a table. Her parents put her in dance classes, planting a seed that would blossom into a life-long love of dance, especially for tap and ballet. Though she began to perform in theater at the age of five, in 1956, she became an alternate Mouseketeer for the “Mickey Mouse Club.” She performed in national commercials, and in episodes of “My Friend Flicka,” “Playhouse 90,” and the “Red Skelton Show.” Another passion Judy maintained was for Education. She was an avid, life-long student. She graduated from Verdugo Hills High School in Tujunga, California, in 1962, followed by enrollment in University of California, Los Angeles. She graduated Cum Laude from UCLA with a double major in Theater and English, and a minor in Dance Performance in 1968. Following graduation, Judy relocated to Las Vegas in1970, where she began a 35-year tenure at Las Vegas High School teaching classes that included: English, Theater, and Dance. Judy held an active role in the LVHS Theater Department from 1970-1980. She directed a myriad of plays including “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Pippin,” “The Wiz,” “Two Men of Vienna,” and “All My Sons,” and received praise in reviews from the Las Vegas Review Journal, often recommending her productions over professional productions on the Las Vegas Strip. Some of her students pursued acting careers in New York and Los Angeles as a result of her training, tutelage, and unending encouragement. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, where she received further praise from her instructors for not only her writing, but the uncanny ability to confront controversial topics with the gusto of a genuine advocate. She was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2003, though many students thought her such for every year she taught, connected, and guided young minds in her classroom. For ten different years she was honored as a “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers,” an honor only bestowed upon teachers nominated by students themselves selected to be “Who’s Who Among America’s Students.” She unsuccessfully attempted to retire from teaching in 2005, resuming her title of teacher a short six months later. Including the additional years of teaching at Adult Education, Nevada State College, and College of Southern Nevada, Judy spent 51 years of her life dedicated to Education and enriching the lives of students of all ages. Judy’s time as an educator connected her to students and peer faculty. Her fellow teachers lead to some life-long friendships, including connecting to Hannah Clement through the Adult Education program. Judy and Hannah shared a bond beyond what most achieve, transitioning from friend to family. From November 2021 through February 2022, Hannah dedicated her waking hours to teaching by day and caring for Judy at night. Hannah’s dedication and connection will forever be appreciated and honored. As an adult, Judy continued to headline community plays and shows in her free time. Prior to Siegfried and Roy’s tenure at the Mirage, Judy performed in their “Lido de Paris” show at the Stardust where she interacted with cheetahs, tigers and hares – oh my! In 1974, while performing in the starring role of Jean in The Theatrical Art Society’s performance of “Brigadoon,” Judy was discovered by Mart Roberts. Though not a theater critic, he was immediately smitten by Judy and pursued a relationship with the starlet. Mart and Judy were married on December 12, 1974. Judy’s greatest dream role of becoming a mother was fulfilled with the birth of her two boys, Trevor and Corey. She left behind the lights and fame of the theater to fulfill her most treasured role of mother, and become the most enthusiastic of soccer moms. Though others may have spied her grading papers in the car or on the sidelines of the pitch during games, her sons never doubted that she was near and cheering for them. Her love for the law was given to her sons as they engaged in Trial By Peers, Peer Mediation, and Mock Trial. In December 2011, Judy moved her tassel and graduated to one of her favorite titles, Gammy, when Emma, her only granddaughter, was born. When Liam, her first grandson was born in 2015, their souls connected and her heart grew to unlimited bounds. Few could bring out her famous dimpled smile in the way that Liam achieved. Her grandchildren created joy for Judy with their antics, sporting events, and school activities. The birth of grandson, Jude, in September of 2021, reminded her of the excitement of being a grandma once again. Although the Jude-Judy connection was short during her life, the connection was powerful, strong, and will continue as his guardian angel. Throughout her life, Judy engaged in varying forms of political activism. She marched in protests during her UCLA days, used her influence as a respected teacher to encourage students to engage in civic activities, and played an active role in Hillary Clinton’s campaign in 2016. Her insatiable desire to stay on the front lines of the happenings of the country meant she rarely missed an episode of her favorite television show, The Rachel Maddow Show. It was easy to feel enamored with Judy’s character and intelligence as she effortlessly exuded confidence without arrogance, compassion with sincerity, and determination with moxie. She will be truly missed but never forgotten, and we will never forget how she made us feel. She is preceded in death by her parents, Reginald & Shirley Posner, and her husband, Mart M. Roberts. Her survivors include: son, Trevor Roberts, son, Corey Roberts, and wife, Robyn; grandchildren Emma, Liam, and Jude; brother, Art Posner, and wife, Eve, of Green Valley, AZ; as well as nephews Jeff & Daryl, and their families; the Vegas Wildcats, and the Las Vegas community she called home for the past five decades.