Grace M. Roden

1929 – 2014

Grace M. Roden passed away peacefully with her family and her dachshund Penny, at her side on January 13, 2014. She was married to Darrell O. Roden, Sr. for 55 years. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama and lived in Pensacola for 80 years.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Diane) Brunson of Aiken, South Carolina, Nancy (John) Woodward, Stafford, Virginia, Darrell (Mary) Roden, Dellrose, Tennessee and Grace (Andrew) Keith of Crawfordville, Florida. Also surviving Grace are her grandchildren; Rick McGraw, Micah (Mandy) Roden, Robert (Sabrina) Keith, Patrick Keith, Phillip Keith, Kathryn (Jonathan) Smith and three great-grandchildren, Mason Roden, McKinley Roden and Marshall Roden. She is survived also by her loving cousin and caregiver, William Connor.

Grace graduated from Pensacola High School, the University of Montevallo and the University of West Florida. She taught for 32 years - fifth grade at O.J. Semmes Elementary School, the Homebound Education Program for the Escambia County School System and she served as the Administrator of the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource System (FDLRS) – Westgate until her retirement in 1994. She also taught numerous math courses for adults and Math on WSRE.

Grace served as a Good Will Ambassador chaperoning three trips of high school, college students and community members to Peru for the People to People Program. She was an amateur archeologist and her efforts resulted in a number of donations to the Pensacola Historical Society. She taught Sunday School for both children and adults for many years.

She loved spending time with her family and friends and she adored her dogs. She enjoyed cross-stitching, collecting shells, turtles and owls, cooking and traveling. She always ready for a trip to the beach! Most importantly, she was a strong Christian, devoted wife, mother and friend. All those who knew her will miss her deeply.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Amos L. Prevatt, his office and nursing staff for the many years of loving care they provided Grace. The family also wishes to thank Covenant Hospice for their care and support. Heart-felt thanks go to special caregivers, Brandy and Melissa.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17th at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ASPCA or any animal shelter of choice.

BAYVIEW FISHER-POU CHAPEL, 3351 Scenic Highway is entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com