Martha Leona Roe

Martha Leona Roe, better known as “Mammy” to her family and many friends is dancing in the Kingdom of Heaven. Mammy completed her long and fruitful earthly journey on the morning of Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at the age of 102. A long-time resident of Barnhart, Mammy was a member of the Methodist Church and served the community through the years, volunteering her time to local events and organizations. In her younger days, she taught Sunday school, served on public school committees, helped with the Barnhart VFD and was a friend to all. She loved her community and only after the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease required her move for better care, did she leave. Mammy had been a resident of Sagecrest Hospital in San Angelo for three years.

Mammy had a wonderful view of life; she was so unselfish, so forgiving and so understanding. She loved her family and accepted each of us for who we are, allowing us to make our own decisions, but standing up for each of us regardless of the outcome. She rarely gave advice, but gave us wonderful guidance by the way she lived her life. At her 100th birthday party, she was asked to share her thoughts for all of us as we travel our life’s journey --- without hesitating she replied “teach your children to have respect and to love one another.” Only Mammy could have put it so simply and yet her words been so profound. What a wonderful message she gave us; one that she has followed all her life. Imagine the world today if everyone would follow that advice.

Mammy was born on September 9, 1909 to parents Jeff & Emma Harris in Thorndale, Texas. She married Everett Franklin Roe in 1927. Everett (better known as Pappy to our family) and Mammy shared 50 years together until his death in 1977. Also preceding Mammy in death were a son Charles, a son Franklin, a daughter Lola, and a son-in-law, Feb McWilliams. Survivors include daughters Bobbie McWilliams and Gay (Gayla) Trotter and husband Ed of San Angelo. Mammy left 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and numerous great, great grandchildren and many, many dear friends.

A visitation is planned at Johnson’s Funeral Home in San Angelo from 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday, October 14, 2011 with a graveside service at the Rest Haven Cemetery in Barnhart at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 15. The community is welcome to share memories together at the Barnhart Community Center following the funeral.

The family wants to thank all the staff at Sagecrest Hospital for the loving and devoted care that you gave to our Mammy and a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Barnett and your staff who tended to her health needs in recent years. All of you do wonderful work and quite frankly, without your genuine care, we don’t know what we would have done. In honor of Leona Roe, we ask that contributions be made to the Methodist Church or Barnhart VFD in Barnhart, Texas 76930 or Sagecrest, 438 Houston Hart, San Angelo, Texas 76905.

Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at johnsons-funeralhome.com

Arrangements under the direction of Johnson's Funeral Home, San Angelo, TX.