Neva Alberta (Roby) Lura, 83, was born on March 23, 1937 on the Roby family farm in Bone Gap, Edwards County, Illinois. Her parents, Bert and Irene Roby, purchased a life insurance policy for her at an early age which read: “Ordinary Life.” But Alberta lived much more than an ordinary life. Alberta went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and was reunited with her husband Wayne on August 28, 2020.

She graduated from East Richland High School in Olney, Illinois, in 1955. Alberta attended Lincoln Christian College and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sacred Music. Upon graduation, she moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin to work at First Christian Church of Kenosha, where she met Wayne Louis Lura. Wayne and Alberta were married in 1961. Alberta went back to school and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Carthage College in Kenosha in 1967. She also attended classes at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee; Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois; and Pestalozzi-Frobel College in Chicago, Illinois. In 1968, Wayne and Alberta moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, where she also attended classes at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg.

During her years as a teacher, Alberta taught Kindergarten and first grade. She was also a substitute teacher and taught in a special reading program called “Literary Success” for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. She was known by her first name, Neva, as she taught in the Pinellas County schools for more than 20 years. Following her retirement from teaching, she served as a mentor for the volunteer program in the Pinellas County schools.

With her husband Wayne, Alberta was also a very active member of First Christian Church in Kenosha; Central Christian Church in St. Petersburg; and Northwest Church of Christ in St. Petersburg. She was a guest soloist in many churches in both Kenosha and St. Petersburg, and even after retiring from teaching in the public schools, she taught Sunday School at Central Christian Church for many years.

Together, Wayne and Alberta had many travel experiences, including visiting all 50 states and travelling to Norway to spend time with many of Wayne’s relatives from that side of the family tree. Clearly, Alberta lived much more than an ordinary life. Rather, she lived her days following her life’s motto: “Live each day to the fullest.”

She is survived by her children: David Lura (Dawn, and her daughters Julia and Kayla) and Janet DeVega (Gerry, and their sons Logan, Jacob, and Janson).

A funeral service was held at the Memorial Park Funeral Home in St. Petersburg, Florida.  An interment service will be announced at a later date for family and friends to pay their respects.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg, FL