Willie Mae Kirk Roark, age 87, passed away on Jan. 18, 2024 at her home in Winona. Willie was born to the late Denzil “Skeet” Harris and Jimmie Mae Kirk on Dec. 8, 1936. She married Perry Lamar Roark on Dec. 23, 1953 and had three daughters; Delmer, Patricia and Sherri. She and Perry spent the next 59 years of their lives together, with Perry preceding her in death on Sept. 5, 2013.
Willie never met a stranger and loved everyone. She liked to tell jokes, but would always forget the punchline which made everyone (including herself) laugh. Her smile was infectious and her hugs were so comforting. She was a woman of high integrity and strong Christian faith. She believed in Jesus Christ and was an active member of North Winona Baptist Church and the Joy Sunday School class.
Willie was an avid vegetable gardener and a wonderful cook. Everyone was always welcome in her home and at her table. In addition to managing a very large garden and running a household, she owned the Credit Bureau of Winona for many years. She was active in the community and was a member of the Business & Professional Women’s (B&PW) Club. Her strong work ethic was recognized when she was awarded B&PW Club’s Woman of Achievement award.
Willie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her sister Joan Hodges. She is survived by her daughters, Delmer Melton (Chet) of Holcomb, Patricia Smith (Mac) of Starkville and Sherri Swindle (Mike) of Hernando; six grandchildren, Tracie McRee (Jody), Cindy Jenkins (Mike), Hannah Baker (Sam), Keri Swindle, Patrick Swindle and Paul Swindle; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces and one nephew.
The family would like to thank the loving caregivers over the years, Mary Purnell, Tina Grays, Ruth Flowers, Belinda Anderson and Roshaunda McGlothin.
Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21, in the Oliver Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Shiloh Cemetery. The Rev. Ed McDaniel officiated the services. Pallbearers were Chet Melton, Mac Smith, Mike Swindle, Sam Baker, Patrick Swindle, and Paul Swindle.
Visitation was Sunday, Jan. 21, from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Oliver Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or online at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give
Oliver Funeral Home of Winona handled the arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.ofhwinona.com
