Andree Layton Roaf facts for kids

Andree Layton Roaf (born March 31, 1941 – died July 1, 2009) was a very important lawyer and judge in Arkansas. She made history as the first African-American woman to serve on the highest court in Arkansas, called the Arkansas Supreme Court. She was also the mother of famous NFL football player Willie Roaf.

Biography

Early life

Andree Layton was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Her father, William W. Layton, worked for civil rights. He helped people get fair treatment. She grew up in different towns in Michigan, including Columbus, Ohio, White Hall, Michigan, and Muskegon, Michigan. She graduated from high school in 1958.

Andree then went to Michigan State University. She earned a degree in zoology in 1962. Zoology is the study of animals.

For over ten years, Andree worked in science. She was a bacteriologist, studying tiny living things like bacteria. She worked for the Michigan Department of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In 1969, she moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. There, she worked on city improvement projects. Later, she became a biologist, studying living things, for a research center.

Legal education and career

In 1975, Andree decided to try a new career. She went to law school at the William H. Bowen School of Law. She was a brilliant student and graduated in 1978, ranking second in her class.

After teaching at the law school for a year, she joined a private law firm in Little Rock. In 1995, Governor Jim Guy Tucker chose her to join the Arkansas Supreme Court. She filled a spot that became open when a judge retired. She was the second woman and the first African-American woman to serve on this important court.

Because of a rule, she could not run for re-election to the Supreme Court. However, Governor Mike Huckabee then appointed her to the Arkansas Court of Appeals. She served there until 2006.

In May 2007, Roaf became the director of a federal office. This office made sure public schools in Pulaski County, Arkansas followed rules for desegregation. This meant making sure schools were fair for all students, no matter their race. She held this job until July 1, 2009. She passed away that day in Little Rock.

Personal life

Andree Roaf married Clifton George Roaf in 1963. He became a dentist in Pine Bluff. He also served on local and state school boards.

They had four children. One of their children is Willie Roaf, a famous American football player. He was an offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL. Willie played in 11 Pro Bowls and was chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

Another of their children is Phoebe Alison Roaf. She is an Episcopal priest and is now the Bishop of West Tennessee. Andree Roaf was also an active member of the Grace Episcopal Church in Pine Bluff.

Awards

Andree Layton Roaf received many honors. She was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 1996. She also received an honorary doctor of laws degree and a special alumni award from Michigan State University.

See also

• List of African-American jurists