Elizabeth Roller

Elizabeth Roller, born in Pulaski, TN on 4/24/24, died November 17, 2016 from complications of dementia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert Roller and Helen Denny; and their adopted daughters, Helen Claire Rawlings Glover and Jane Rawlings Sights. Elizabeth (“Lib”) attended Peabody Demonstration School, graduating with a major in physical education. She also earned a masters degree in education and completed most of her doctoral courses. She then enlisted in the Navy during World War II, serving her tour in Washington, D.C. Lib was openly proud of her military service, and marched every year in her original uniform on Veterans Day. Upon returning to Nashville, she taught special education in the public schools, eventually shifting her focus to teaching Native American Culture, Pioneer Living and Outdoor Education at the elementry level. At the same time, Lib was very active in community theatre, working mostly backstage, though she did play Dolly in “The Matchmaker” and the lion in Shaw’s “Androcles.” When school was out each summer, Lib enjoyed going on archeological digs in Nebraska searching for mammoth bones and becoming quite a collector of ancient artifacts. These she proudly shared later with her students and family. For several summers she also ran a Girl Scout camp on Long Island, always bringing along her cats! There she was responsible for recruiting counselors and directing them in teaching crafts and outdoor activities. For most of her life, Lib lived with various family members in Nashville. After their deaths or moves, she spent her remaining years at Belmont Village in Green Hills with her beloved cats and new friends. She will be remembered by family as the aunt who always acknowledged everyone’s birthday with generous gifts no matter where they lived. She also gave an annual Christmas party every year on December 26 where each family member received a large stocking filled with small, personalized gifts, collected all year long. Lib Roller lived life fully, on her own terms, yet always with enormous efforts to find her roots and promote family belonging. She was a “yellow dog” Democrat and a lifelong supporter of education and the arts. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 19, at twelve o’clock Noon, Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204. Contributions may be made to the S.P.C.A. or Peabody Demonstration School in honor of her father, Dr. Bert Roller.