Lisa Dawn Keene Roakes

Lisa Dawn Keene Roakes, 48, of Madison Heights, passed away, September 4, 2011, at her residence after a long courageous battle with breast cancer. She was the beloved wife of Gary Michael Roakes for twenty-three years.

Born July 27, 1963 in Marion, VA, she was the daughter of Agnes Maloyed Keene of Marion, VA and the late Garland Campbell Keene and was also preceded in death by her father-in-law, Clarence T. Roakes. Lisa was a retired First Sergeant with the Virginia State Police Department serving the Commonwealth for 25 years. She was the recipient of the 2011 Mid Atlantic Association of Women in Law Enforcement Life Time Achievement Award. Lisa attended Madison Heights Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by one brother, Michael Keene and his wife, Linda of Marion; her mother-in-law, Nancy Campbell Roakes of Madison Heights; a brother-in-law, Lawrence Roakes and his wife, Martha of Ashland; two nieces, Amber Wiley and her husband Stephen, Lara Keene and two nephews, Justin Keene and John Thomas Roakes.

Lisa was a true inspiration to all who knew her as she battled breast cancer since 2006. She was a strong and independent person with her courage touching many people. The family would like to thank Dr. Kathleen Paul and the extended oncology staff at Alan Pearson Cancer Center as well as Centra Health Hospice staff for their assistance. The family is forever grateful for all the love and support of their friends, coworkers and church family of Madison Heights Baptist Church over the past five years.

A celebration of Lisa’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday September 7, 2011, at Madison Heights Baptist Church with the Rev. Todd Blake, Rev. Stan Ogden and the Rev. Paul Kvasnicka officiating. Interment with State Police honors will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at Madison Heights Baptist Church and other times at the residence.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center Patient Support Program.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.whittenfuneralhome.com.

Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Monelison Chapel, is serving the family.