ROBERTA PRITCHARD CORDER

Roberta Pritchard Corder, of Fort Worth, Texas passed away on Friday, Sepembert 18, 2026, at the age of 86 surrounded by her family and loving caretakers.

She was born on December 26, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York to Michael and Helen Kanzer. The family soon moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina. Roberta discovered her lifelong love for learning at an early age and knew she wanted to be a teacher. After attending Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) she married her first husband of twenty-three years, Arthur Pritchard, and moved to Fort Worth, Texas to continue her studies at Texas Christian University, where she earned her Master’s degree in English.Together they had two children Evan Pritchard and Alice Pritchard.

For over 30 years, Roberta dedicated her life to higher education as an English professor at TCU. She was more than an educator; she was a mentor, a scholar, and a source of encouragement for her students. Her iconic class, “Heroes, Devils, and Others” was known for its rigor, but still a favorite among students. In addition to teaching English, she was the Academic Coordinator of Brachman Hall, an advisor for the liberal arts degree for adult students , and the advisor for the Study Abroad program.She was instrumental in expanding TCU’s international footprint; notably, she facilitated the first TCU exchange student to study abroad in Japan. Faculty and students alike remember her for her sharp intellect, her infectious enthusiasm, and her quick wit.

Some of her favorite memories involved traveling abroad to the various campuses where students were continuing their education and experiencing new cultures. Not only did she enjoy traveling professionally, but she also loved traveling with her second husband, Jim Corder, with whom she was endlessly happy. Aside from traveling to Europe, they went on many cruises with their band of friends. One of their favorite places to visit together was Las Vegas, which they thought of as their favorite planet. Otherwise, they might be found in the TCU AddRan building in the faculty lounge working on the NYT crossword, or maybe at The Hop listening to Pico de Gallo, their favorite philosophy department band. Roberta loved throwing a party. You could definitely count on an invite to a snow party anytime school was cancelled for inclement weather. Her election parties were legendary, including friends from all political parties, and plenty of food and drinks to keep everyone friendly.

After retirement, Roberta stayed active with TCU retirees and the Daytimers at Beth-El Congregation. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, who called her RoRo. She relished living next door to them and being a daily presence in their lives, playing word games, working on puzzles and attending their activities and performances. In her later years, she developed strong bonds with her caregivers who she loved like family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Corder, her parents, Helen and Michael Kanzer, her sister, Harriet Boxer, and her son-in-law, Ben Barlow.

She is survived by her two children, son, Evan Pritchard, her daughter, Alice Pritchard; grandchildren, Townes and Eleni Barlow; and her nieces and nephews, many cherished friends, former students and colleagues.

A Memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11:30am Wednesday, September 23, at Beth-El Congregation 4900 Briarhaven Road.  She will be laid to rest privately in the Beth-El Section of Greenwood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, consideration of contributions to Beth-El Congregation or to the Humane Society of North Texas, in her memory, is suggested.