Mary Jean Janet Roach, age 91, of Collierville, Tennessee passed away on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Mary Jean was born January 2, 1930 in Chrisman, IL where she lived until she graduated high school. She attended Linden Wood Girls College for a short period of time. She then transferred to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she met her beloved husband and love of her life, James Richard “Dick” Roach on a blind date. The two were married in June 30, 1951. They shared an amazing 62 years together traveling the world, creating wonderful memories, and making incredible friends wherever they went. Mary Jean was feisty, full of life, and an avid Dallas Cowboys football fan. On April 28, 1953 she embraced motherhood, which came naturally to her. Mary Jean served as a devoted role model for her only child, Jenny. Mary Jean always opened her home to Jenny’s friends and welcomed them in as if they were her own. She was also blessed with incredible grandchildren, Derek Pruett and Maggie Cooley, and her great-grandchildren Emily Ferrara, Johnathan Cooley, and most recently 2 year old Samuel Pruett, the latest light of her life. Dick and Mary Jean felt the Lord led them to Collierville Christian Church on January 24, 1999. Throughout the years, Mary Jean found great solace in her church home and cherished all those she proudly called friends.
Mary Jean is survived by her daughter Jenny Pruett; her two grandchildren Maggie Cooley (Charles) of Bartlett, and Derek Pruett (Laura) of Germantown; her three great grandchildren Emily Ferrara (Alex) of Kansas City, John Cooley of Bartlett, and Samuel Pruett of Germantown. She is preceded in death by her precious husband Dick Roach.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 13, at 9:00am at Collierville Christian Church, 707 New Byhalia Rd, Collierville, TN. The funeral service will begin at 10:00am, also at Collierville Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Collierville Christian Church, 707 New Byhalia Road, Collierville, Tn. 38017.
