Reba Rushing Robertson

Reba Rushing Robertson, 88, died Friday, March 18, 2005 at her residence. A memorial service will be held Monday, March 21, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Waco. Reba was born July 29, 1916, the eldest child of Jesse and Lela Rushing. “Papa” Rushing was a Baptist preacher and Reba and her sisters, Irene and Flo, grew up in small towns across Texas, wherever “Papa” was called to preach. Reba graduated from Iraan High School and Baylor University, and then taught school at Cayuga, Texas where she met her husband to be, Henry W. Robertson. They lived initially in Cayuga, then Waco, then Tyler. In 1946 Reba and Henry finally returned to Waco, where they stayed. Three sons, Steve, Mark and Phil were born to the marriage. After the boys were substantially grown, Reba returned to teaching school. She taught English and Drama at Richfield High School until her retirement in 1977. Reba’s husband, Henry Robertson, longtime real estate and insurance agent, died in 1980 at Waco. Theatre was always Reba’s avocation and she was active in many theatre organizations, particularly those for children. She directed and consulted on the production of countless plays for schools and local theatre groups. With her friends and students across the country, Reba advocated quality theatre education for young people. Reba last appeared on stage at McLennan Community College in “You Can’t Take It With You”, shortly before her 80th birthday in 1996. An endowed theatre student scholarship is established in Reba’s name at MCC. The Children’s Theatre Foundation of America is also establishing an award in Reba’s name which benefits American high school drama teachers. Reba is survived by Steve and Abby Robertson of Clifton, Mark and Arminda Robertson of Dallas and Phil and Chanda Robertson of Clifton; her sisters, Irene Westerfield of Killeen and Flo Overby of Waco. There are seventeen grandchildren who named her “Bebo”, and at last count six great grandchildren. Memorials can be made to McLennan Community College, The Children’s Theatre Foundation of America or First Baptist Church of Waco. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey