HAWKINS, TX — Few individuals embody the values of education, service, and community as fully as Lillie Eva (Roberson) Young, a proud 1967 graduate of Jarvis Christian University. With a career that spans nearly four decades in public education and a lifetime of civic engagement, Young has spent her life uplifting others and shaping the minds and hearts of future generations.
Born and raised in East Texas, Lillie Eva Roberson arrived at Jarvis Christian University with a dream of becoming an educator. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1967, setting the foundation for a lifetime of impact in classrooms and communities. Never one to rest on her accomplishments, she later pursued a Master’s degree in Education from Texas A&M University–Texarkana and continued expanding her professional credentials throughout her career.
Young dedicated 37 years to teaching in elementary education. Her work extended well beyond the classroom—she served as a lead teacher, department chair, and an active member of her school’s PTA. She was recognized twice as Teacher of the Year, an honor reflecting her excellence in teaching, mentorship, and leadership. Lillie inspired not only her students but also her colleagues, modeling what it means to serve with purpose and integrity.
Even after retiring in 2004, her passion for education did not fade. She continued to support student achievement by administering national assessments, tutoring students in her community, and even returning to schools as a substitute teacher for several years. Her post-retirement contributions demonstrated her unwavering belief in the power of education and her commitment to helping every child succeed.
Lillie’s legacy, however, extends beyond the classroom. A woman of faith and civic pride, she is deeply involved in a range of community organizations. A proud and active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, she lives out the sorority’s mission of service, scholarship, and sisterhood through mentorship and volunteer work. Her commitment to community engagement is also reflected in her service with the Tough Cookie Foundation, the Mental Health Outreach Program, and the Texarkana Regional Arts Council.
As President of the Pruitt and Booker T. Washington Schools Reunion Committee in Atlanta, TX, Young helped keep alive the spirit and history of her educational roots, fostering community among former students and families. Her efforts have helped preserve local legacies while supporting future generations.
At Shady Grove Baptist Church in Bloomburg, TX, Lillie is an active and devoted member. She serves as the financial clerk, announcing clerk, and Sunday School teacher for the primary and elementary departments. Her contributions to the church mirror her life’s work—encouraging, supporting, and guiding others with grace and faith.
Lillie and her husband, Charles Young, are the proud parents of three children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandson. She remains an active and devoted member of the Texarkana Chapter of the Jarvis Christian University Alumni Association, where she continues to give back to the institution that helped shape her journey.
Lillie Eva Young’s life is a testament to the power of education, the importance of community, and the enduring impact of service. Jarvis Christian University is proud to honor her as a model of what it means to lead with heart, teach with passion, and serve with purpose.
