Margie Strayer
February 23, 1933 - May 19, 2024
Marjorie Nell Roberts Strayer, known as Margie to her friends and family, passed away on May 19, 2024, at the age of ninety-one.
Born on February 23, 1933, in her family's home on West Martin in San Antonio, Texas. The home built by two of her uncles still stands today, she remained a lifelong resident of the city she loved. Margie's life was one marked by a passion for education, an unwavering faith, and an adventurous spirit that touched the lives of all who knew her.
Margie grew up on a ranch west of San Antonio, she attended a one room school, rode to school on horseback and she and her sister raised goats to fund their college education. She graduated with her undergraduate degree from Texas A&I University in 1955. She furthered her education with a master's degree in Communication Disorders from Our Lady of the Lake University.
Her professional life was spent as an educator, she taught elementary to high school, students with disabilities was her primary focus, retiring from the Northeast Independent School District (NEISD) in 1993 after an impactful career. Her passion for sharing knowledge continued when she accepted a position with the University of Texas, Austin where she conducted educational travel programs, concentrating on San Antonio's history and culture.
Margie's zest for life was not confined to the classroom. Her love for travel took her across the globe, where she embraced diverse cultures and traditions, always with a sense of wonder and enthusiasm. When at home, she enjoyed the intellectual challenge of playing Bridge with friends. Margie's faith played a significant role in her life; she was a devoted member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, where she served on the Altar Guild and the Vestry. Her commitment to her community was further demonstrated through her work at the Green Door Thrift Shop, a Ministry of St. Luke's, where she helped raise funds for benevolent and charitable causes.
Margie is survived by her loving family, including her daughters, Marion (Les) Johns of Hallsville, Texas and Laura Sims of Houston, Texas. She was grandmother to Katy (Charlie) Culp, of Richardson, Texas, David (Taylor) Johns of Plano Texas, Grant Sims of Houston, Texas, Hope Sims of Houston, Texas, and a great-grandmother to Winslow Culp and Hayes Johns. She also leaves behind her brother, Bob A. Roberts of San Antonio, along with numerous nieces and nephews, who will remember her fondly. Margie was preceded in death by her parents Hendrick Earl and Marion Stephenson Roberts, of San Antonio, her sister, Lou Roberts Baker of Arlington, and her brother, James Dover Rietberg of San Antonio. Her life was enriched by the companionship of her dear friend and keeper, Chela Garza, whose presence provided constant support and comfort.
Margie Strayer was a beacon of light and a source of inspiration. Her intelligence, creativity, and enthusiastic nature were the hallmarks of a life well-lived. She will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to have been touched by her vibrant spirit.
The family would like to thank caregivers Juana Diaz, Chela Garza, Josefina Gaspar, Gabby, Ally, Vanesa, Gilbert, and Dr. Patel for everything they did to provide her care and comfort.
A memorial service was held on June 13 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Alamo Heights, followed by a reception in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Green Door Thrift Shop at 1030 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 or online at the Green Door.