December 2016

Remembering Madge Houston Thornall Roberts

Remembering Madge Houston Thornall Roberts

Madge Houston Thornall Roberts, 86, beloved great great granddaughter of Sam Houston, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away on October 24, 2016. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and colleagues.

Madge was born December 3, 1929, in Houston. After graduating from Lamar High School, she received a scholarship to Southwestern University in Georgetown, earning a degree in English and journalism in only three years. She then began a successful teaching career in San Antonio, during which she received numerous accolades, including Teacher of the Year. While teaching, she obtained her Master of Education degree from Trinity University.

After retiring from 38 years in elementary education, Madge embarked upon a new career as a successful author of Texas history. She authored five books, including a biography of Sam and Margaret Lea Houston, “The Star of Destiny,” as well as four volumes of “The Writings of Sam Houston.” She was widely recognized as an authority on both Sam Houston and the Republic of Texas. She won numerous awards and was a sought-after speaker across the country. Her knowledge and expertise will be missed by those who continue to strive to keep the importance of Texas history alive for future generations.

Madge was a dedicated and active member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She was elected president of the Alamo Couriers chapter and president general of the state DRT (2007-2009). She later served as chairwoman of the Alamo for two years and was awarded the Alamo Battlefield Association award for her work on the Wall of History, a permanent exhibit at the Alamo. Madge was also active in the San Jacinto Descendants; San Antonio Conservation Society; Writer’s Guild; Texas State, East Texas and San Antonio Historical Associations; and the San Antonio High School Coaches’ Wives Association.

Madge’s grandmother also served as a president general, and they are the first family to have two family members serve the Daughters in this capacity. She was a fourth-generation DRT member and was also a CRT member. She was a member of the Alamo Couriers chapter in San Antonio and was a devoted supporter of the DRT Library.