Diana Gray Roach

Born May 23, 1937 in Paris, Tennessee to Harold Bell and Verla (Gray) Jackson, she married William “Bill” Eugene Roach on January 25, 1963 in Paris, Tennessee. He died May 17, 2006 in Pekin.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Patrick Gray Roach; one sister, Caroline Brannon; one niece Stephanie Jackson; one brother-in-law, Bobby Stockdale and two sisters-in-law, Faye Jackson and Deb Jackson.

Surviving are one daughter, Megan (Brian) Beecham of Pekin; four grandchildren, Jackson (Nicole) Roach of Germantown Hills, Olivia Roach of Chicago, Schaefer Roach of Pekin and Diana (Brady) Sevier of Pekin; one great-grandchild, Evelyn Gray Roach and one more on the way; six siblings, Harold (Margaret) Jackson, of Paris, Tennessee, Cynthia (Bobby) Perry of Paris, Tennessee, James Jackson of Dover, Tennessee, Debbie (Ralph) Malatesta of Seattle, Washington, Melanie Stockdale of Tinley Park, Gray Jackson of Stewart, Tennessee; one brother-in-law, Larry Brannon of Puryear, Tennessee and special friends, Rose and Dennis Beecham of Pekin.

Diana graduated from Murray State University in Kentucky with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. She was a public school music and English teacher for many years. Children in grades kindergarten through sixth were her favorite to teach.

Diana’s love for music was accompanied by an appreciation of creative writing and literature. She often discussed books with her sisters and constantly told her own stories, leaving her family wondering whether or not those stories were actually true. Diana traveled all over the world with her sister, Melanie. Together, they visited Italy, Alaska, and Bermuda and she also took a road trip with the rest of her sisters to revisit their roots in Calaveras County, California. With a mind that never quit, Diana sought out games to play such as Bridge, Scrabble, and Trivial Pursuit.

She brightened everyone’s day, was lively, and had the most beautiful smile. Diana demonstrated a deep dedication to her family as she cared for her husband and fiercely loved her children and grandchildren.

Diana was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin, where she performed in the church choir for many years.

Private services will be held for the family and friends. Interment will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial donations may be given to the National Association for Music Education, 585 Grove Street, Ste 145 #711, Herndon, VA 20170, https://nafme.org/donate/

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com