Diane Roark

Susan Diane Roark, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, in Abingdon, Virginia, having gone to be with the Lord. Born on April 4, 1943, in Hattisburg, Mississippi, Diane’s early years were spent in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she grew up before relocating to Abingdon in 1966.

A devoted educator for 40 years, Diane touched countless lives through her commitment to teaching and learning. After her long and impactful career in education, she served as a receptionist for the Washington County Sheriff's Office, demonstrating her dedication to public service in many forms. Her academic foundation was laid at Hixon High School and furthered at Furman College, institutions that helped shape her lifelong passion for knowledge and community.

Diane was cherished for her gentle spirit and unique interests, including her affection for bunnies and active membership in the Abingdon Baptist Church. Her faith and kindness were pillars of strength, felt deeply by all who knew her.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Ernie Roark and his wife Lois, and Doug Roark and his wife Sabrina; her brother Mark Williams and his wife Debbie; her sister Janice Eckford and her husband John. Her legacy lives on in her grandchildren, William Roark and John Roark, and great-grandchild Corbin Sykes, and step-grandchildren, Angelica Sykes and Ronnie Whittaker Thomas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who held her dear.

Diane was preceded in death by her devoted husband, William Melvin Roark, and her parents, John Edwin Williams and Georgia Lou Rawlston Williams.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during a visitation on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., followed immediately by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. The events will be held at the Farris Cremation & Funeral Center – Forest Hills Chapel, located at 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210.  Entombment will follow in the Colonial Chapel Mausoleum of Forest Hills Memory Gardens.  Dr. Bill Bryan will officiate.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.  The family of Susan Diane Roark is being cared for by Farris Cremation & Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.