Mary Jon Roach

Mary Jon was born in New Bern, North Carolina in 1934, and spent most of her early years in Wendell, North Carolina. It was in Wendell where she met her future husband, Linville Roach, and the two were married in 1955. They spent two years in service in Las Vegas, Nevada, with Linville in Navy JAG and Mary Jon working for the Sandia Corp. in the atomic testing program. Mary Jon and Linville settled in Greensboro, North Carolina, where they became active in the First Baptist Church, and where she served as one of its first women deacons. She also served in many other roles, including on committees with the North Carolina Baptist State Convention and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

Mary Jon graduated Meredith College in 1955. Meredith held a special place in her heart, as she served on the Board of Trustees and in many leadership capacities throughout her life. Meredith recognized these contributions by honoring her with the Distinguished Alumna Award and a scholarship fund bearing her name.

In 1988, Linville and Mary Jon moved to Wendell, where they enjoyed time with many friends and made frequent trips to Kerr Lake and Ocean Isle Beach. They became active members of the First Baptist Church of Raleigh, where she served as a deacon and chaired the Denomination Relations Committee.

As a Wake Forest University Demon Deacon fan, Mary Jon was always able to give an update on the latest scores and player reports. Tailgates were a highlight and game days were special events.

Mary Jon was always active in the communities where she lived, serving in the PTA as well as being a member of the Women’s Club, the Thursday Afternoon Club, Garden Clubs, and the Birthday Club.

Friendships and family were important to her and she held them close, always enjoying gathering with friends, taking many trips and frequently phoning and FaceTiming . She particularly enjoyed time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and followed all of their activities with great interest. She was fun-loving and substantive and always guided by faith, family and the pursuit of good.

She is survived by her husband Linville Roach, two children, Gerald Roach (Stephanie) and Ginny Lawson (Mark), four grandchildren Davis Roach (Caitlin), Allison Jett (Andrew), Michelle Bounds (Garrett), Emily Pandich (Mike) and seven great grandchildren, Beckett and Decker Roach, Rangeley and Sally Jett, Theo and Margot Bounds and Clarkson Pandich.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at First Baptist Church, 99 N Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Donations may be offered in memory of Mary Jon to Meredith College, Mary Jon Roach Legacy Endowment, 3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.