Jean Elizabeth Roberts

Jean Elizabeth Roberts, 66, of Moorhead, MN, passed away quietly on Friday, August 16, 2019 in Fargo, ND.

Jean was born to James and Lidia Greig in Niagara Falls, NY, on April 29, 1953.  Growing up on a farm in upstate NY, she cherished her early farmgirl lifestyle and later graduated from Newfane High School in 1971.  Physical activities remained important throughout her life as she enjoyed playing tennis and running marathons.  She pursued her passion for music performance at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where she met her husband John Noel Roberts in 1971.  Further music studies included a Master of Music degree from the Yale University School of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Jean served as an assistant professor on the faculty at North Greenville College, SC and as an adjunct music professor at Furman University, SC; the West Australian Conservatorium of Music in Perth; Mercer University, GA; Stephen F. Austin State University, TX; and Concordia College, MN.  She particularly enjoyed collaborating with students and faculty members in recitals and performing two-piano concerts with her husband.

Her dedication as a church musician grew significantly during her lifetime. She served as organist/choir director at St. James Episcopal Church, Macon, GA; Christ Episcopal Church, Nacogdoches, TX; and Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral, Fargo, ND.  For her, church music was an expression of faith through service rather than a profession.

Jean’s positive and encouraging attitude was infectious.  Her sincerity and nurturing spirit as a wife, mother, sister, friend, teacher, church musician and collaborative artist will be sorely missed.  Now, may the Lord bless her and keep her.

Jean is survived by her husband John Noel Roberts, two sons: Jason Noel Roberts and Jeremiah Thompson Roberts (Allison), and grandson Isaac Noel Roberts.  Jean is also survived by her sisters Carol Coulson, Jacqueline Lampman, Lidia Kriwox, and brothers James Greig and Scott Greig.  Jean is preceded in death by her parents James and Lidia Greig.

Visitation will be held at the Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead on Friday, August 23, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 P.M.

The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 24, 2019, at Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral in Fargo, ND.