Roach, Willie Roberts I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept my faith. ~ II Timothy 4:7 The sojourn from earth to heaven was completed for Willie Marie Roach on Saturday, June 30, 2007. With warm soothing fingers, the angels of silence sealed her lips. Her soul was escorted by a caravan of angels from this world of sin, sorrow and pain to a place of joy, peace and eternal rest. Quietly and peacefully, she eased away to be with God. Funeral services for Willie Roberts Roach, 92, of Longview, will be at noon Saturday, July 7, 2007, at the Pleasant Green Baptist Church on Hwy. 349, with the Rev. Richard Holloway officiating, and the Rev. R.L. Davis eulogizing, under the direction of Welch Funeral Home, 4619 Judson Road. Willie was born November 1, 1914, in Longview. Indeed, she was a gift from God to her parents, Willis "Dude" and Caroline "Callie" Roberts, who preceded her in death. She was the fourth born of five children. Willie accepted Christ at an early age at Pleasant Green Baptist Church in Longview, and under the pastorage of the Rev. R.B. Francis. She was a faithful and devoted member until her declining health. Willie graduated from Gregg County Training School in Longview. Afterwards, she received her undergraduate degree from Texas College in Tyler. With her zeal for learning, she furthered her education by attaining a master's degree from historical Bishop College when it was located in Marshall. Willie also did extended studies at Columbia University in New York, N.Y. She met and married Claude Roach. They made their home in Longview, more specifically, the Lakeport area. Willie began her teaching career at Camp Switch and Sabine Valley Elementary of Pine Tree ISD. She also taught for Longview ISD, Karnack ISD and Fresno ISD in Fresno, Calif. She was a dedicated teacher and enjoyed working with her students. It was evident that she loved children because she mentored and encouraged many young people. She displayed class and elegance in everything she did. She was a member of the Pleasant Green Baptist Church Senior Choir, a member of T.E.A., a faithful member of Dodd Court No. 76 and a member of the Alumni Teachers Association. Willie was a loving daughter, cherished sister, special aunt, a devoted wife and a true Christian friend to all. She was loved by her students, fellow teachers and all who knew her. Her greatest joy in life was helping others in her quiet and humble manner. What a sweet and precious lady. Mrs. Roach was preceded in death by her parents; husband; aunt, Elizabeth Woodard; sister, Ida Roberts; and brothers, Woodard D. and Tracy D. Roberts. She leaves to cherish fond memories a devoted sister, Zeffie R. Hilburn of Longview; niece, Mechelle and John Oliver of Kilgore; nephews, Dr. Madero and Dianne Hilburn of Longview, and Ted Roberts of Fresno, Calif.; great-nephews, Madero "Fat Boy" and Diane Hilburn III, Ricardo and Erika Hilburn of Longview, Shannon T. and Erica Gregg of Allen, Franscisco and Debra Hilburn, Juan and Regina Hilburn, and Roberto and La Toria Hilburn of Saginaw, Mich.; one great-niece, Stacye D. Hilburn of Longview; and a host of great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, other relatives and friends. An online registry may be signed at www.news-journal.com, by clicking on the obituaries link. Published in the Longview News-Journal on 7/6/2007. ------------------- Roach, Willie Roberts Services for Willie Roberts Roach, 92, of Longview, will be at noon today, July 7, 2007, at Pleasant Green Baptist Church on Hwy. 349, with the Rev. Richard Holloway officiating and the Rev. R.L. Davis eulogizing. Arrangements are by Welch Funeral Home. Ms. Roach died June 30, 2007. Born November 1, 1914, in Longview, she was a longtime teacher and devoted member of Pleasant Green Baptist Church, T.E.A., Dodd Court No. 76 and Alumni Teachers Association. Survivors include her sister, Zeffie R. Hilburn. An online registry may be signed at www.news-journal.com, by clicking on the obituaries link. Published in the Longview News-Journal on 7/7/2007.