Laura Middlebrooks Roth

Laura loved deeply. She was a survivor of unimaginable grief and loss, yet continued to love fully throughout her lifetime. Which is to say, Laura was very brave. She received every, “I love you,” with the reply, “love you more.” We may or may not have made multiple attempts to beat her to the, “love you more,” but she always had the final word.

Laura deeply valued education. She was a lifelong learner, reader, and proud to have attended classes at Southern Methodist University. She further ensured her three children had the opportunity to attend Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.

Laura was a lady of principle, and held deeply rooted values she strove to honor. Among these were kindness, compassion, and patriotism. Yet, as foundational as her principles were, she remained open to new ideas, and was both wise and humble enough to say, “you taught me something new.”

Laura was a person of great faith. Both as a minister’s wife and a layperson, Laura pursued spiritual growth and community throughout her lifetime. She further honored the spiritual journeys of those around her with respect and openness.

Laura had a great work ethic. She worked first alongside her husband as a Methodist minister’s wife before going on to teach kindergarten. She then worked at The Board of Global Ministries and later became a top selling realtor.

Laura was playful. She was an avid bridge player, an absolute card sharp, and is strongly suspected of counting cards. Laura enjoyed games and puzzles of all kinds with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

An avid sports fan, Laura loved to cheer on her favorite teams: The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans, the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs, and the Colorado Rockies and Houston Astros. She went to as many of the kids,’ grandkids’, and great grandkids’ sporting events as she could.

Laura was a seeker and creator of community. Wherever she went, she either joined or developed community for herself and others. She just couldn’t understand when others wouldn’t join in. From innumerable friendships, to clubs, to churches and Sunday School classes; from dance groups and bridge tournaments, to her beloved PEO, a charitable sorority that supports young women and their education. Laura always belonged somewhere, and wanted you to be welcome too.

Laura was tenacity personified. One might even say, “stubborn.” Whether it was her insistence that love is love, a lady should always RSVP, electric cords are unsightly, or holding her family together after the loss of their father, her tenacity stood her in great stead. It also was passed down to many a loved one.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents, Stella and Houston Dobbs; her first husband Dr. Bob Middlebrooks; her second husband Charles Roth; her grandson Justin Middlebrooks; and a veritable host of beloved friends.

She leaves many grateful to love her still: Her children and their spouses Mark and Stephanie Middlebrooks, Dan and Robin Middlebrooks, Terri and Tanner Garth, and Hal and Connie Roth. Grandchildren and their spouses and partners: Matthew and Gina Middlebrooks, Travis and Erin Middlebrooks, Rob Middlebrooks and Ben Smith, Jennifer and Justin Holt, Haley Garth, Tanner and Catherine Garth, Rory and Lisa Roth, and Reilly Roth. Great Grandchildren: Taylor Johnson, Zach Johnson, Parker Middlebrooks, Miles Middlebrooks, Emily McBee, Reese McBee, Lily Garth, Van Garth, Rowan Roth, and Penelope Roth. She is also survived by her nieces, Reverend Linda Middlebrooks Hagan and Vickie Pinney.

We would like to give our heartfelt gratitude to: All the staff at The Solana Vintage Park and Brookdale Champions, most especially Michele, Jerome, Denise, Kenny, Elizabeth, Charlene, Elaine, Sylvia, Cathy, and Jessica, for giving Laura such a loving home and community. We would also like to thank nurse Kathy MacNak for her care and kindness, and our ever helpful driver and friend, Dean Archbold.

En lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Parish School in her name. Donations can be made using the following link: Parishschool.org/support or mailed to: The Parish School, 11001 Hammerly Blvd. Houston Tx. 77043. The Parish School is a school for children with communication disorders and learning differences. Laura’s love of education was embodied at the Parish School, where her daughter and granddaughter have dedicated in combination over forty years of service. Laura believed every child, regardless of need, should get to go to Parish.

Laura’s remembrance service will be held at Unity Church, 2929 Unity Drive 77057 on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 1:00 pm in the Tower of Light in the main sanctuary. Laura believed in celebrations of life, and both she and we her family invite you to wear your brightest, most cheerful attire.

Laura, Mom, Nana, love you more.