The name Judith Ann Robertson surfaces in a number of genealogical records, obituaries, and family legacy writings, often leaving researchers and readers with multiple overlapping life stories. Across sources, she appears not as one singular person, but rather as a shared identity borne by at least two notable women: one tied to Louisiana and connected to the Gimber family, and another who lived in the Pacific Northwest and whose long life spanned into 2024. This blending of records has created curiosity and sometimes confusion for those who search her name.
This article examines the different strands of Judith Ann Robertson’s life as recorded in obituaries, family databases, and blog references. We will explore her age, family, father, marital history, children, and broader relations, while also addressing her association with Anwar Zakkour, a name that sometimes arises in search queries alongside hers.
Judith Ann Robertson – Early Life and Background
One of the most referenced versions of Judith Ann Robertson was born on September 16, 1941 in Dixie, Caddo Parish, Louisiana. Genealogical records, including entries from FamilySearch and Find A Grave, note her parents as James Harold Robertson (father) and Merritt Thurman Hale (mother).
Growing up in Louisiana, Judith was part of a large family with several siblings, including James Francis Robertson, Harold Gene Robertson, Thomas Sydney Robertson, and Janice Ellen Robertson. This strong family network provided her with roots in the South, where the Robertson surname has long-standing associations, particularly in Caddo Parish.
Another obituary, however, identifies a different Judith Ann Robertson who was born on March 25, 1940 in Oakland, California. This Judith grew up on the West Coast before eventually relocating to Oregon, Alaska, and Washington state. Unlike the Louisiana-born Judith, her family story intertwines with a husband named Robert “Bob” Robertson, whom she married in 1962.
The coexistence of these two biographies illustrates how common names can often blur distinct identities in the public record. Both women lived rich lives, and both deserve recognition.
Age and Lifespan
The Louisiana-born Judith Ann Robertson lived 64 years, passing away on June 20, 2006 in Mooringsport, Louisiana. She was buried at Mount Gilead Cemetery in Vivian, Louisiana, according to cemetery and genealogical records.
The Pacific Northwest Judith, by contrast, lived much longer. She died at the age of 84 on November 28, 2024, in Walla Walla, Washington. Her obituary paints the picture of a life well-lived, full of family, work, and community ties.
Thus, depending on which Judith Ann Robertson is the focus, her age is recorded either as 64 at the time of passing (2006) or 84 at the time of passing (2024).
Father and Family Legacy
For the Louisiana Judith, her father was James Harold Robertson. The Robertson family name carries significant historical roots in the South, particularly in Louisiana and neighboring states. Some blog sources, like WiderWeekly, even suggest a connection between Judith and the extended Robertson clan made famous by the reality series Duck Dynasty. However, this connection is not firmly documented and may represent an overlap of names rather than a proven genealogical tie.
Her mother, Merritt Thurman Hale, played a central role in raising a large family. Together, James and Merritt instilled in their children the values of family unity and tradition.
For the Pacific Northwest Judith, her obituary notes a sister named Sandy Shroyer of Pendleton, Oregon, but does not extensively trace her paternal lineage in the way genealogical databases do for the Louisiana-born Judith.
Marriage and Spouse
The Louisiana-born Judith Ann Robertson married James P. Gimber, with whom she built a family in Louisiana. After marriage, she was often referred to as Judith Ann Gimber, and many of the genealogical records list her under this name.
The Pacific Northwest Judith married Robert “Bob” Robertson on June 9, 1962. Their marriage lasted over six decades, enduring until her passing in 2024. This partnership was described in her obituary as one of love, resilience, and mutual devotion, producing three children and multiple grandchildren.
Both stories highlight Judith as a devoted wife and partner, though the spouses and timelines differ.
Children and Descendants
The Louisiana Judith had at least one son: James Prentice “Trey” Gimber III. This continuation of the family name reflects the importance of heritage within the Robertson and Gimber lines.
The Pacific Northwest Judith raised three children:
- Kelly (Robertson) Gunnels
- Rob Robertson (married to Paula)
- John Robertson (married to Sheri)
She was also grandmother to at least eight grandchildren, including Brent, Derek, and Benjamin Gunnels; Kayla Holt; LeAnne Hull; Taylor Robertson; Tyler Grindstaff; Brittney Cody Robertson; and Madeleine Robertson. In addition, she had great-grandchildren — Devyn, Shelby, Landon, Addilyn, Harper, Mary Jane, William, Zander, and Wyatt.
Her obituary makes clear that family was the centerpiece of her life, and she lived long enough to see several generations flourish.
Relations and Extended Family
Both women named Judith Ann Robertson were deeply embedded in their families and communities.
- The Louisiana Judith’s siblings and extended Robertson family connected her to broader Southern heritage, with some records hinting at possible connections to more famous Robertson families, though evidence is thin.
- The Pacific Northwest Judith’s family network spanned Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, reflecting a more Western lifestyle rooted in community work, employment at Les Schwab Tire Centers, and local city government.
The contrast between the Louisiana Southern legacy and the Northwestern community life illustrates how the same name can represent very different but equally meaningful family traditions.
Judith Ann Robertson and Anwar Zakkour
A curious detail that arises in searches about Judith Ann Robertson is the association of her name with Anwar Zakkour. While no definitive public records tie the two closely together, it is possible that search queries linking them stem from:
- Genealogical cross-references — online databases sometimes mistakenly merge unrelated individuals who share partial names or are married into families with common surnames.
- Blog speculation — certain blogs may list speculative or tangential connections without documentary proof, leading to ongoing confusion.
- Shared social or community circles — it is also possible that the connection represents a regional or community tie rather than a familial or marital relationship.
At present, there is no strong documentary evidence that Judith Ann Robertson and Anwar Zakkour were directly related by family or marriage. However, given how family records sometimes overlap, the association is noteworthy for researchers who encounter both names in their searches.
Reconciling the Two Identities
When asking “Who is Judith Ann Robertson?” the answer depends on which individual you mean:
- Judith Ann Robertson (1941–2006): Louisiana-born, daughter of James Harold Robertson and Merritt Thurman Hale, wife of James P. Gimber, and mother of James Prentice “Trey” Gimber III.
- Judith Ann Robertson (1940–2024): California-born, longtime resident of Oregon, Alaska, and Washington, wife of Robert “Bob” Robertson, and mother of three children with a large extended family.
Both women lived remarkable lives. One lived in the South with deep roots in Louisiana, while the other built her family in the Pacific Northwest. Their overlapping timelines and identical names create the puzzle that researchers and bloggers continue to unravel.
Legacy of Judith Ann Robertson
Regardless of which Judith Ann Robertson is being examined, a few themes remain constant:
- Family First: Both women prioritized family, whether in Louisiana or Washington. Their children and grandchildren testify to their nurturing spirits.
- Community Anchors: Whether working for a local city office, a tire company, or simply maintaining strong family traditions, Judith embodied the values of service and connection.
- Name Recognition: The Robertson name carries weight, particularly in the South where its roots are deep, but also among genealogical enthusiasts worldwide.
- Ongoing Research: Because two distinct individuals shared the name and lived at overlapping times, online records and blog posts often mix their stories, making continued research important.
Conclusion
The story of Judith Ann Robertson is more than just one biography — it is the weaving together of family, heritage, and memory across generations. Whether remembered as the Louisiana-born mother who became part of the Gimber family or as the Pacific Northwest matriarch who lived into her 80s, her name symbolizes devotion to family and perseverance.
As readers and researchers, we must approach her story with care, acknowledging the complexities while honoring the legacies left behind. In doing so, we celebrate the broader truth: behind every genealogical record is a real person whose life touched others in lasting ways.
For more explorations of family legacies, identities, and the people behind the records, visit londonzine — where stories find their voice and history comes alive.
