Marion Roberta Donnell Stripling, former schoolteacher and partner in ministry, died Aug. 9 in Waco. She was 87. She was born Feb. 18, 1938, in Kermit to Robert and Marion Donnell. She 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 1960, just a few weeks after she received her degree in elementary education from Baylor. She taught in the Fort Worth public schools during the early years of their marriage. She and her husband served together throughout his pastorates in White Oak, Joshua, Ennis, Pasadena and Dallas. In 1982, the Striplings moved to Waco, where Paul served as the executive director of 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 Woman’s Missionary Union. She also enjoyed her work at Baylor University in numerous administrative support roles, including as a proofreader in the printing office. She often was the featured speaker at women’s conferences and retreats. She also wrote a cookbook, The Unaware Angel: A Ministry From Your Kitchen, featuring recipes within the context of Christian hospitality. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul and a sister, Billie Franklin. She is survived by daughter Paula Jewell and her husband, Kirk; daughter Mary Nelson and her husband, Alan; and four grandchildren. A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 16 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Waco. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to the Roberta Stripling Endowed Scholarship at Dallas Baptist University.
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