2020 Obituaries

Thomas Lewis (T.L.) Conner
Apr 21, 1922 – Sep 19, 2018

Thomas Lewis (T. L.) Conner, a son, brother, U.S. Navy Veteran, husband of 70 + years, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, farmer, longtime church leader, friend, neighbor and local character died on September 19, 2018. Born April 21, 1922 to John Mack and Mary Ethel Keylon Conner on a farm on what is now Conner Island Industrial Park near Claysville in Marshall County, Alabama, he was a brother to four sisters. T.L. saw the wide world aboard three ships in World War II as a Navy gunner, and saw lots of the U.S. as he hitchhiked across the country while on leave. He re-enlisted and was part of training others in the Korean War. He received the American Defense Ribbon with one star, the European Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon with eight bronze engagement immediately look it up, and wore out generations of stars, the American Theatre Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal. His travels during the war instilled a lifelong passion for knowing places. If he heard of a town on the news that he didn’t know, he would immediately look it up, and wore out generations of stars, the American Theatre Ribbon, and the Good atlas maps! 

T.L. married Elizabeth Nell Rollings on March 31, 1948. They had six children and together raised them on a farm in the Mount High community, across from the old drive-in theatre. T.L. worked hard at farming alongside his “built in” labor force. After the death of Nell’s parents he also farmed their land in the Henryville Community. His daily motto was “If you aren’t hustling you are burning daylight.” Indeed it is hard to farm in the dark! He was active in Marshall County Farmers Federation, serving as a member of the Board of Directors and as President. He was a long time member of Mt. High United Methodist Church. He also was involved with Soil Conservation Service and was an Assistant Scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 272. He lauded “Keeping America Beautiful” before it was ever a movement, and bemoaned trash on roadsides. 

In retirement he loved traveling the country for reunions of shipmates from the USS David W. Taylor (perfect attendance record) and USS South Dakota.. He also made chocolate candy and delighted in giving it away to friends and strangers alike. 

He is survived by daughters Denise (and husband Davis of Hillsborough, NC), Linda, and sons Charles (Donna), Tommy (Kim) and daughter-in- law Cheryl Lake, all of whom live locally. He wanted to shape and mold grandchildren Jason (Debbie), Joseph (Krista), Michelle (Jon), Beth (Billy) and great grandchildren Abbie, Slade and Aiden. 

He is also survived by sisters Bobbie (Bill) and Jane (Sonny), numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and exercise and breakfast buddies. Many family members have gone before him: daughter Martha Sue (who died in infancy), son Mike (who died in 2014), sisters Mildred and Dean, numerous cousins, and his wife Nell, who was buried two weeks before his death. 

A service of Christ’s Resurrection and service of Thanksgiving and Memory will be held at Mount High UM Church on Saturday, September 22 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation an hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice that keeps America beautiful or preserves land, or to Mount High United Methodist Church or Henryville United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund. 

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Mary A. Roark Crownover
Oct 8, 1935 – Aug 23, 2018 

Mary “Ann” Anita Roark Crownover, age 82 of Decherd, passed away on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. A native of Franklin County, she was born on October 8, 1935 to the late James “Jim” Lee and Clara Foster (McBride) Roark. Ann retired from the United States Postal Service as Postmaster after forty years of service at the Decherd and Pelham Post Offices. She enjoyed reading, walking, quilting, and cross-stitching. Ann’s family will remember her for her quick-wit and her helpful and outgoing nature. She was a member of Decherd First Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Ann is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Crownover; and brother, Wayne Roark. She is survived by her son, Larry (Sherri) Crownover of Decherd; daughters, Rebecca Crownover of Decherd and Nancy Crownover Butler of Shelbyville; grandson, Jeremy W. Pickett; great-grandchildren, Jayden and Leah; sister, Jean Delzell of North Carolina; brother, Bay (Judy) Roark; niece, Jennifer; and nephews, Brian and Barry. Funeral Services were held on Sunday, August 26, 2018 in the Moore-Cortner Chapel. Interment followed at Mt. Garner Cemetery with Bobby Woodall, Eddy Woodall, Barry Delzell, Ralph Painter, Russell Miller, and Clyde James serving as pallbearers. 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mary “Ann” Anita Crownover, please visit our Tribute Store.
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Terrence Patrick Conner
Sep 7, 1942 – Aug 22, 2019

Terrence Patrick “Pat” Conner, 76, of Dayton, TN passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2019. 

Pat was born in Hamilton County on September 7, 1942 to the late William Ray “Bill” Conner and Mary Jane Sands Conner. He was a lifelong resident of Rhea County and a member of New Union Baptist Church. He was a 1960 graduate of Rhea Central High School. After high school, he continued his education and received a BS Degree from Bryan College and a Master’s Degree at MTSU. He began teaching at Spring City in 1965. He was Principal at Spivey, Graysville, Rhea Elementary and Rhea Central High School. He served as Superintendent of Dayton City TSchool, and he completed his 35-year career as Principal of Rhea County High School. Throughout his life he enjoyed many hobbies. He was an avid golfer, former boat racer and he loved fishing. Pat had a lifelong passion for restoring automobiles. 

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Janie Holland Conner of Dayton, TN; son, Chris (Kristen) Conner of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Emma Kate, Hayes and William Conner; brothers, Mike (Jane) Conner of Knoxville, TN, Jim (Debbie) Conner of Dayton, TN; sisters, Sharon (Mark) Morgan of Dayton, TN, Mary Miller of Centerville, VA and several nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service was held Monday, August 26, 2019 at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Coulter Garrison Funeral Home with Rev. Barry Walls and Speaker Gary Cooper officiating. 

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Joseph McGill Ditman
Aug 17, 1931 – Jul 6, 2016 

Joseph McGill Ditman, 84, passed away on July 6, 2016. Services were held on Saturday, August 6, at The Chapel at Riderwood Village in Silver Spring, MD.

He was beloved husband for 68 years to Emma Busbey Ditman, father to Mary Rebecca Xenos, Ellen Ruth Richmond-Hearty, Liana Louise Shrader, Joseph McGill Lewis Ditman, John William Ditman, James Andrew Ditman, Paul Francis Ditman (deceased), Jane Marie Goode, Charles Thomas Ditman, as well as grandfather to Stradley, Joshua, Shenandoah, Daniel, Margaret, John, Conner, Peter, Conner, Stig, Line, Thomas, Suzanne, Mary, Victoria, Seth, and Nathaniel, and great-grandfather to Parker, Avery, Sierra, Orion, Brianna, Caroline and Evelyn. 

Joe had a passion for travel, most memorably with his family, crisscrossing North America numerous times by plane, train and motor vehicle. He traveled internationally as well, with his favorite trips taken to Ireland and with the Audubon Naturalist Society to Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Riderwood Benevolent Fund at Riderwood Community, Attn: Benevolent Care Fund, 3110 Gracefield Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20904 

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Verna Ellis

Dec 25, 1935 – Feb 7, 2019

Verna Ellis of Granbury, went home to Jesus on February 7th after a long battle with cancer at the age of 84. 

Funeral service was held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, February 11, White’s Funeral Home, 401 North Main, Street, Springtown, with interment following at Springtown Cemetery. 

Verna was born on December 25th, 1935, in Fort Worth, TX, to Elias and Vernice Hilwie. She graduated from North Side High School and attended Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX. 

Larry and Verna Ellis married in 1979. All of their married days were happy. They both enjoyed being involved in The Granbury Church of God and going on many wonderful travels together. 

Verna was preceded in death by her sons, Randall Hilwie Doran and Scott Andrew Doran. 

Verna is survived by her husband, Larry Ellis; her children, Stephen Doran and wife, Cheryl, David Doran and wife, Beverly, Randy Ellis and wife, Mary Michelle, and Greg Ellis; her grandchildren, John, Randy, Laura, Shayla, Lynn, Kassie, Paul, Marissa, Sarah and Madison – all loved; and her great- grandchildren, Dakota, Mercedes, Taitym, Lane, Brody, Caleb, and Phoebe – all a great blessing and loved. 

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Andrew Houston Gamble
Dec 1, 2019

Andrew Houston Gamble, 31, from Signal Mountain, TN died Sunday, December 1, 2019 in a kayaking accident in Dayton, TN. 

He is survived by parents Brent and Gayle Gamble, sister Anna (Keith, nephews Mays and Cade) Rawlston, brother Aaron Gamble, grandparents Margaret Gamble and Bill and Pat Pickett, his beloved friend Mary Katherine Fields and many aunts, uncles and cousins that love him dearly. 

Andrew was an avid outdoorsman and athlete. He was passionate about sports, from soccer and baseball in his early years to camping, hiking, biking, skiing, bowling and especially kayaking where he became a member of a close-knit community of boaters that shared his love for creeks and streams and mountains and rocks. 

While his love of sports shaped him, it did not define him. We will always remember him for his love of life, family and friends. He was kind, generous, humble, competitive and filled with joy. He always greeted you with a firm handshake or a big bear hug and would keep his arm draped over your shoulder while listening to your latest story or sharing his most recent adventure. He lived doing something he truly loved. He will be remembered and loved by many for the kind and generous life he led. 

We will love you forever and miss you always Andrew. 

A Memorial Gathering was held on Thursday, December 5th from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hamilton Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy, 5051 Gann Store Road, P.O. Box 358, Hixson, TN 37343. 

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W. C. Bill Gross
Mar 26, 1943 – Apr 8, 2020
(written in his own words)

We are all basically come into this world the same way. What we do with our life is up to us. I hope that over the last seventy plus years, I have made a difference. 

It all began on March 26, 1943 when my Mother Zadie, her sister and a midwife delivered a 10 lb. 14 oz baby boy in a cabin on the old Roark place in the Bethlehem community about 5 miles north of Rockdale, Texas. Two days later, Dr. T.S. Barkly and his nurse Sara Bankston finally made it out to visit us and declared me a healthy baby boy. Born to the parents of Oscar and Zadie Gross. Shortly, thereafter we moved into town in a house on Murray Street. My Dad worked for a short time as an insurance agent, this was during World War II. I was three years old when I got a very hard spanking because I followed our new puppy under the fence. That was only the beginning of many spankings to come. 

After the War ended, we moved back to the country into the old Gross place near Bethlehem. Mom and Dad began farming 77 acres of cotton, corn and watermelons. At about the age of five, I was assigned chores, such as working in the garden and slopping the hogs. My older brother Charles taught me to run the Popping Johnny Deer Tractor. Since we did not have running water at home, during a drought we had to haul water from a mile a half away. This was a slow process, and I learned very early on how precious clean water was because without water, there was no life. Living and working in the country was both challenging and rewarding. I feel that this prepared me with a solid foundation for my future. 

Once a weekly, we would come into town so Mom and Dad could stock up on supplies. If egg money was good, Mom would give me $.25 and I would go to the Dixie Movie Theater. $.11 for the movie and the rest was for popcorn and a drink. Dad would get a 50 lb. block of ice so we could keep our milk and butter cold. I picked cotton in the summer so I could order my school clothes from the Sears and Montgomery catalog. I rode the school bus, the stop was about a mile from the house, and I carried a sack lunch. 

Then my world changed big time. We moved back into town to 532 College Street. I was a city slicker now. I slowly adjusted to the city life, but I still had to work. My very first job was mopping floors at Halley’s Café, which is now the China Buffet. Rockdale formed Little League Baseball and I got to play on the Cardinals team. That year we won the town championship. By the time I was in the 8_th grade, I must have read every book in the school library. 

High School was fun and pretty easy for me even though my Father passed away right after my 14_th birthday. I had to grow up really fast because Mom did not know how to manage the finances. My Brother Charles guided Mom and I and we made it through that first year. I was very fortunate to hardly ever miss any school. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to complete 12 years of a fine education from the Rockdale Independent School District. I graduated in 1961. After, I attended South West Texas University in San Marcos, Texas where I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Chemistry. My first job after graduating from college was with the Sinclair Oil Refinery. Then moving onto working for the Texas Water Control. After working for the State of Texas, I decided to spread my wings and I started my own company in Houston, Texas designing and building water and wastewater treatment plants. I was young, single and walked a little on the wild side. I liked pretty women, traveling, partying and just having fun. My motto was “Work hard, play harder”. 

At my 20_th year class reunion, I met a very beautiful woman that I had graduated from high school with. Barbara lived in Idaho at the time, which was just too far away for this party man. Although she never really left my thoughts. Several years later we did reconnect. I was living in Lake Tahoe at the time. She was just as breathtaking as I remembered her. Long story short, we got married on May 4, 1984 in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Not only did I get a wonderful lady, I got the extra bonus of inheriting three fine sons that I loved like they were my own. The two older boys were already grown, Terry was in college and Kurt was a senior in high school. Then there was Craig, the youngest who was in the 4_th grade. It has been an honor and a privilege to help raise Craig, for 35 years he has been a son to me. No Father could be any prouder of a son, watching him grow into the man he is today, a loving family man where his family always comes first, hardworking, honest, and respectful. Craig married Amy, my beautiful “Double Diamond Daughter-in-law”. Together they had Nicole, who will always be the apple of my eye. I was there when she was born and have never been very far away from her. We are like two peas in a pod. I love all my inherited sons and their families. They have always lived in other States, so I did not get to see them as often as I would have liked. But when we had the opportunity to visit, we picked up right where we left off. 

I spent all of my professional career in some form of the utilities sector, mainly water. As I said at an early age “Water is Life”. My last full-time job, before retiring, was Director of Utilities Construction for the City of Galveston. Barb and I moved back to Rockdale in 1996, where we have enjoyed living the small-town life close to family and our many lifelong friends. 

As I come to the end of my story, there are some things that I want to say. I was blessed with a loving Father and Mother, Brother and Sisters. Nieces, Nephews, Sons, Daughter-in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I have the greatest friends, some who have already passed on. Daily, I think of how special they were and the wonderful times we had together. Other friends that are still with us, you know who you are, I want to thank you for your friendship over the years and all the support and compassion you have poured out to me and my family. 

So, in closing, I’d say to you it’s not about how much wealth you have amassed, the fancy cars or the big homes you might have, it’s about the legacy you leave behind. A loving family, great friendships and leaving the world a little better place than when you came into it. Those are the things that really matter the most. 

Preceded in Death: Father, Oscar Gross, Mother, Zadie Gross, Grandparents, Sisters, Ann Parish, Marie Gross Story, Mildred Gross, Brother, Jacob Arthur Gross, Niece, Sherri Gross, Nephew, Ron Story. 

Survived by:
Wife, Barbara Gross, Rockdale, TX; Three special sons, Craig Collins and wife Amy, Rockdale, TX, Kurt Draper, Las Vegas, Nevada, Terry Baker and wife Veronica, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Brother Charles Gross and wife Lindy, Marietta, Georgia; Grandchildren: Nicole, Rockdale, Texas Chelsey and Ethan, Spokane, Washington, Travis and wife Andrea, Las Vegas, Nevada, Lucas and Sienna, Albuquerque, Nevada 

Great Grandchildren: Sylas, Chloe and Paisle; Nieces: Pam Parish Padraza, Robyn Carlson and husband Richard, Great Nephew, Jake; Nephew, Lee Story and wife Rosy, their grown children John Michael and wife Kelsey, Ashley Maria Story; Nephew, Bob Gross and wife Jenne, their grown children Sarah and Kassie. 

I could never leave out my precious dog Roxy, my faithful companion. 

My request there will be no funeral. There will be a celebration of life at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department or the Rockdale Senior Center Meals on Wheels. 

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Gene Franklin Johnson
Sep 3, 1942 – Jan 16, 2020

Gene Franklin Johnson, born September 3, 1942, went to be with the Lord while at home with his spouse, Betty Jean, and his beloved pet beagle, Clark Kent Super Dog, by his side on January 16, 2020. 

Mr. Johnson, age 77, was preceded in death by his parents, Curren Buell and Nellie Katharine Lovell Johnson; a sister, Nell Johnson Roark; his first spouse, Beverly Ann Pittman Johnson; brother Leon Mitchell “Phillip” Johnson; a niece, Sharon Roark Lovell, all from Harrison, TN and daughter, Dena Hammack Boles (Stuart), New Port Richey, FL. 

Survivors include his current spouse Betty Jean Fry Hammack Johnson, Harrison, TN, and sons Christopher Brett (Mallory) Johnson and grandson, Curren Birch, Sacramento, CA; Tyler Mitchell Johnson, Hoover, AL; Justin Ray Hammack (Rebecca), Huntsville, AL; nephew, Robin (Melaine) Johnson and nieces, Vicki Roark Lee, and Phyllis Johnson Hickman; all from Harrison, TN. Gene was raised and grew up in the communities of Birchwood, Friendship and Harrison, TN. 

He graduated from the University of Alabama and spent 33 years in the banking business. He had authored several books and was currently writing his own autobiography “Reflections”. He was well-known for his research abilities in establishing family roots and recording their history in the communities of Birchwood, Friendship, and Harrison, TN. 

Gene was a member of Maple Grove Baptist Church, Harrison, TN. He was also a member of the Roark-Conner Association and the TN Sons of the American Revolution Society. 

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff of the East Team of Hospice of Chattanooga for their care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, please celebrate Gene’s memory by donating to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37343.In keeping with Gene’s wishes for not having a formal visitation or memorial service, the family request you not dwell on the sadness of his passing but remember the good times you shared with him throughout his lifetime.

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Gary Elvin Peek
Dec 31, 1953 – Aug 12, 2019

Gary Elvin Peek, passed away at his home in St. Charles, Mo. on August 12, 2019 at the age of 65. The son of the late Lloyd and Gene Conner Peek, Gary was born in St. Louis, Mo. on December 31, 1953. 

He is survived by sister, Judith Peek Wright, Moscow Mills, Mo; nephew, Chris Wright, wife Sarah, and niece Elaine Wright Chirino, husband Robert, both of the St. Louis area. Others surviving are several great-nieces and a nephew, as well as great-great nieces and nephews; an uncle, aunts, many cousins and extended family. He will be greatly missed. Gary was a pilot, and an avid skydiver, making over 8,200 jumps since 1981! He was an Electronic and Computer Consultant in the St. Louis community and a proud member of the Parks College Parachute and Research Group. 

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Iva Marie Pickens
Nov 29, 1920 – Oct 6, 2019 

Iva Marie Pickens, 98, a School teacher retired from the Arlington public schools, died in a Dallas hospital late Sunday night, Oct. 6, 2019. A graveside service was held on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington. 

Marie was born in a Dallas hospital on Nov. 29, 1920, to Daniel Blythe Roark and Iva Elizabeth Crouch. She attended elementary school in Lancaster where her father was superintendent of schools and later moved with her father, stepmother, and siblings to Dallas where she graduated from Sunset High School in 1937. She attended NTAC in Arlington and graduated from North Texas State Teachers College in Denton with a degree in homemaking and English. 

Marie taught homemaking in the public schools at Fabens and Wharton, Texas, and later moved to the state of Washington where she met and married Ulys Ray Pickens of Charleston, W.Va., on March 25, 1948. Marie returned to Texas in 1950 where she served as director of lunchrooms for the Irving Public School System. In 1958, she returned to the University of North Texas for graduate work in elementary education, following which she taught second grade at Louise Blanton Elementary School in Arlington from 1958 until her retirement in 1975. 

Marie had a strong Christian faith and was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Arlington where she served as Sunday School teacher of 11-year-old girls for over 20 years. After retirement, she and her husband purchased a summer home in Stehekin, Wash., where they spent their summers, later purchasing a home in the Cherry Hill Community of Arkansas. 

In 1992, she and her husband returned to Arlington and a home on Briarwood. Ulys “Pick” Pickens died Feb. 3, 2005, and Marie remained a widow for the rest of her life. In her later years, she suffered from dementia and died of natural causes. Marie was predeceased by her parents; stepmother, Myrtle McKinney Roark; brother, Daniel Blythe Roark Jr.; and sister, Juanita Robertson. 

SURVIVORS: Marie had no children and is survived by her brother, John J. Roark and wife, Aggie, of Dallas; nephew, Daniel Lee Roark and Cyndy of Carrollton; grandniece, Jennifer Strockbine and Chris of Hebron; grandnephews, Daniel Connor Roark, Dennis Cameron Roark, and Jefferson Dean Roark.

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Dallas Morgan Roark

Dec 15, 1931 – Aug 20, 2020
R-CA Past President – 1980

Dallas M. Roark was born on December 15,1931 at rural Birchwood, TN. to Franklin A Roark and Mattie White Roark . He is survived by his wife, Elaine, who lives in Shawnee, KS and his a son, Lyman David Roark of Carrollton, TX. and Dalaine Joy Wood and her husband Tim of Gilbert, AZ. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Zach Wood and Megan Wood of Gilbert. Dallas is also survived by a sister, Margene Higham of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.  During the time of the 7th grade Dallas became a follower of Jesus and dedicated his life to serving Him.

Dallas graduated from Lane Tech High School in Chicago in 1950. He attended Northern Baptist College, part of the Northern Baptist Seminary, and graduated in 1954. He was the assistant pastor of the Fairfield Ave. Baptist Church until he accepted the pastorate of the Harrisburg Baptist Church at Bonaparte, Iowa. in April of 1955.  In March of 1955 he was married to Elaine Joyce Musial.  Together they moved to Iowa. In the summers, Dallas drove to Iowa City to attend the University of Iowa.  In 1957 they moved to Iowa City where Dallas did graduate work full-time. He received the MA in Religion from the University of Iowa in 1958.  He continued at the University doing the residence work for a Ph.D. in Religion which he received in 1963. Having finished the residence work at the University, Dallas accepted a position as assistant professor of religion at the Wayland Baptist College in Plainview, TX.  At Wayland Dr. Roark served many west Texas churches as interim pastor and guest speaker.  He stayed at Wayland for six years before moving to Emporia State University in 1966.

Coming to Emporia State University (named the Kansas State Teachers College for many years) Dr Roark taught philosophy and ethics. Later Dr. Roark became chairman of the Division of Social Sciences for eleven years. During his stay at Emporia State Dr. Roark wrote three books, An Introduction to Philosophy, The Christian Faith, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. All the books are out of print but are available on line at his website www.thehealingsite.net The Christian Faith has been downloaded nearly a half million times from various countries around the world. It has been translated into Chinese and is on a website in Hong Kong.

Dr. Roark retired from Emporia State University in 2001 and in 2002 moved to Topeka, KS where they built a New Technology foam concrete house with Dr. Roark serving as general contractor.  During the retirement years he continued to enlarge his website, www.thehealingsite.net which has attracted visitors from many countries around the world.  He has also written many articles forAnswering-Islam which have been read by over a half million people around the world.

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James “Jimmy” Roark 
1954 – Dec 9, 2019

James “Jimmy” Roark, of Sale Creek, age 65, passed away after a brief illness on Monday, December 9, 2019. Jimmy graduated as an honor student from Sale Creek High School. He was the son of the late Clyde and Jean Roark. Jimmy retired from Price Brothers after many years of service. 

He was a kind considerate friend to all. He was a member of Sale Creek First Baptist. He was a devoted servant to not only the church but to his Lord. He served in many capacities; he was a deacon, the treasurer, a member of the choir, and served on many committees. Jimmy was willing to do anything that was asked of him. He was a prime example of how a servant should be in church. 

Jimmy is survived by several cousins. Crystal Degges and Terry Dixon were very special to him. Services were held at Sale Creek First Baptist at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2019 with Pastor Michael Redden presiding. Burial followed at Welsh Rogers Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jim Lewis, John T. King, Steve Roark, Greg Shipley, Carl Slaven, and Danny Roark. 

Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com. 

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Jean Carpenter Roark
Feb 25, 1933 – Mar 21, 2020

Jean Carpenter Roark, 87, of Jackson, reunited with her husband Vaughn A. Roark on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at her residence. She was born February 25, 1933 to Willie and Dovie Duncan Carpenter. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Jackson and was a retired employee of Alabama Power Company. After retirement, she relocated to Hope Hull and was a faithful member of Pintlala Baptist Church until she returned to Jackson in 2007. Her hobbies included sewing, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband and brothers, Steve Carpenter, Buddy Carpenter and Bobby Carpenter. 

She is survived by her children, Debbie R. Jones of Jackson, Gail (Steve) Sides of Kingsport, TN; grandchildren, Rory Jones, Leslie Jones, DeAnna (Brett) Gibson; great-grandchildren, Malikhi Jones, Maddox Jones, Isaiah Gibson, Ezekial Gibson, Micah Gibson; siblings, Christine (Dolphis) Gibbs, Roy Carpenter, James (Lucille) Carpenter, Eddie (Memory) Carpenter; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at Trinity Memorial Gardens with Dr. Ben Stubblefield officiating and Lathan Funeral Home directing. 

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Georgianna “Jan” Smith
Aug 30, 2019 

Georgianna “Jan” Smith, 86, of Poolville, Texas passed away Friday, Aug. 30, 2019. She was surrounded by her loving family when she went to the Lord. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 3 at Biggers Funeral Chapel in Lake Worth. Interment followed at Poolville Cemetery. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Alzheimers Association, 2630 West Fwy #100, Fort Worth, TX 76102. 

Jan was a lifelong resident of Poolville. She was the postmaster at Peaster until she retired. Jan was proceeded in death by her loving husband, Kermit. She is survived by her sister, Gene Sneed of Weatherford; her children, Barry Smith and wife, Tina, of Gunter, Denise Yankie and husband, Jim, of Poolville, and Brian Smith and wife, Paula, of Poolville. She was “GrandJan” to her grandchildren, Brandon Smith, Lacey Yankie, Katy Johnson and husband, Dean, and Carly Johnson and husband, Marcus; and great-grandchild, Wittley Johnson. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, John L. and Lela Jennings Witt; brothers, Autry, Marvin, Woodrow, Clarence and JL Witt; her sisters: Ruby King, Nadine Williams, Mary Ruth Miller, Mildred Sneed, and Dorothy Harris. Jan was the granddaughter of Martha Jane Conner Witt. 

In Loving Memory of our Roark-Conner family members who have passed. 

— Roark-Conner Association Board of Directors