Betty Rachel (Hodges) Roark

Betty was born on June 9, 1934, in Ridgeway, Virginia, to Joseph William Hodges and Nannie (“Bett-Bett”) E. Hodges, who predeceased her. She had 11 brothers and sisters. She was predeceased by six brothers and sisters, Willie Hodges, Josephine Anthony, Norma Jean Gibbs, Raymond Hodges, Bessie Acree, and Sally Gamber. She is survived by five brothers and sisters, Jeannette Newman, Daisy Gibbs, Bobby Hodges, Ruth Hundly, and Margaret Moore. Betty grew up in Ridgeway, Virginia, and began working at Dupont at the age of 18. At the age of 20, Betty married Oliver Cleo Roark on November 24, 1954, and they lived in Martinsville, VA, and Danville, VA, for a period of time before settling in Hickory, North Carolina in August, 1968. She is predeceased by her husband, Oliver. He passed away on December 13, 2007; however, prior to his death, they were inseparable and looked after each other for over 50 years. They were respected by all who knew them. Betty and Oliver had three children: Bonnie R. McIntyre, Robyn R. Gilbert, and Sharon R. Thompson. Her children’s spouses are R. Steven McIntyre, Ricky S. Gilbert, and R. Daniel Thompson. She is survived by her children and their spouses as well as her five grandchildren, Heather M. Hennessee (and spouse, Jerry T. Simmons), Ryan S. Gilbert (and spouse, Kimberly Gilbert), Matthew W. Hennessee, Joseph O. Gilbert, and Kelly G. Fleming (and spouse, Will Fleming). At the time of her death, Betty had nine great-grandchildren, Olivia A. Gilbert, Madison D. Hennessee, Brealyn B. C. Fleming, Bella R. Fleming, Joseph O. P. Gilbert, Robyn Marie Fleming, Kuechly R. Fleming, Dagney A. S. Gilbert, and Alexis N. Reid. She also had three step-great-grandchildren, Brandon Byrd, Jordan Harris, and Maddie Hedrick. During her working years, Betty held a variety of employments from sewing to being a realtor. She and Oliver were self-employed for a number of years owning Unifour Vault Company as well as Roark Distributing Company. Once Betty received her realtor’s license she sold real estate for a number of years. Throughout her life, Betty always attended church and dedicated herself to church activities. At the time of her passing, Betty was a member of Springs Road Baptist Church where she has served in many capacities since 1969 including being the Church Treasurer for 23 years, being the Church Secretary for 2 years, being a member of the Adult Choir for 24 years, and participating in WMU, Training Union, Vacation Bible School, and being a Sunday School Teacher. She was very involved in all Church activities. She always believed that God was in control and she listened to His voice for guidance throughout her life. After Betty retired, she and Oliver enjoyed traveling and she has been to every state in the United States except Rhode Island, Alaska, and Hawaii. She has also traveled to Canada on several occasions and has been to Bermuda, St. Thomas, and the Virgin Islands. There were many happy gatherings at her home throughout the years but the best times with family were always Christmas Day each year when her family and many other friends would gather to be with her. Betty always stayed true to her herself and her family. Betty’s favorite music is old-timey gospel music and her favorite song is How Great Thou Art. Her favorite color is yellow and her favorite flower is a yellow rose. She lived the upstanding life of a Christian and always said how much the Lord has blessed her and her family. She loved the Lord and hopes to see you all in heaven someday. She stated that she would be so happy to be in heaven with her husband, Oliver, and see him again. Betty had the sweetest spirit and always said, “Pretty is as Pretty Does”, and she lived her life that way. She was an independent woman who lived her life simply, taking what life gave her. Until we meet again, every day in some small way, as memories of Betty come our way, though absent, she is ever near. Still missed, still loved, and ever dear. Rest easy knowing that our dear Betty is with Oliver and is now looking down on us and keeping alive in our memories.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Springs Road Baptist Church. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at the church. Rev. Jeff Brown and Rev. Tim Shook will be officiating the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials may be made to Springs Road Baptist Church, 3580 Springs Rd. NE, Hickory, NC 28601.