Edna Earle Roach

Edna Roach, 94, passed away on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, at Wexford House surrounded by her loving family.

Edna Eddie was born in Paducah, Kentucky, to the late Charles Elliott Whitehurst and Daisy Verna Lynn Whitehurst. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, Lyle James Roach.

She is survived by her two children, daughter, Judith K. Roach and son, Charles Lynn Roach, and daughter-in-law, Sandy parker Roach, all of Kingsport. Also surviving are four grandchildren of Paducah, KY, James Lynn Roach, Charles Keith Roach, Stephen Andrew Roach and wife Suzanne, and Kerri Roach Brotherson and husband Jim; the grandchildren's mother, Caroline Roach of Paducah, KY; five great-grandchildren, Zachary Roach, Alyssa Roach, Colton Roach, Jake Brotherson, and Max Brotherson, all of Paducah, KY; a special niece, Lynda Karns, Paducah, KY; and special friends, Thelma Harper, Paducah, KY and Loretta Lemons, Kingsport, TN.

Edna was raised in the Christian Church and upon her marriage became active in the Methodist Church, always active no matter where home might be at the time. She served her church faithfully in any position she was asked to try. She made her home near Paducah in Reidland, KY, and was an active member of the Reidland United Methodist Church. When she and her husband relocated to Kingsport, TN in 1991, she changed her membership to the Colonial Heights United Methodist Church. She was active in the Upper Room Sunday School Class and the Upper Crust Senior Adults group. She especially enjoyed exploring the mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and Southwest Virginia with the Group.

Edna was happiest when tending her home, raising her children, loving her grandchildren, and caring for and supporting her husband and others. Her home was always open to neighbors, friends, and family. Cooking was her way of expressing love and all were treated to sugar cookies, old-fashioned fudge, yeast rolls, meat loaf, and other specialties. Anyone privileged to be on her mailing list looked forward to her newsy letters, cards, and phone calls.

After her children left home, neighborhood children enjoyed the blessing of an additional grandmother. Her hands were never idle as she created beautiful knitted and embroidered garments and home furnishings. Retirement years found her providing continuing care for her parents who lived to the ages of 96 and 102, and she also enjoyed camping and fishing with her husband.

Although Alzheimer's disease robbed her of precious memories in the last five years, she never stopped loving, complimenting, and thanking those who cared for her.

The family will be returning to Kentucky for services and interment. A life celebration will be scheduled at a later date in Kingsport.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to all of the special caregivers over the years and to the many Wexford House caregivers for their concerns and help. Also, we wish to thank the Smokey Mountain Hospice Group for their caring services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Colonial Heights United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 6027, Kingsport, TN 37663; or to Reidland United Methodist Church, 5515 Reidland Road, Paducah, KY 42003.