Mary Ethel Holcomb Roark

At the age of 97, Mary Ethel Holcomb Roark went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Calvary Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church. The Rev. Jerry Knott will officiate. The viewing will be at 10 a.m. and the service will begin at 11 a.m.

On Jan. 10, 1922, Elam and Mary (Gaston) Holcomb welcomed their youngest child, Mary Ethel, into the world. She faithfully attended the Methodist Church in Alto, Texas, where her father was a founder and leader.
At the young age of 18, Mary married the love of her life, Charles Roark, just before he joined the U.S. Navy in World War II. When he returned home, they chose to raise their family on the property where she had lived since birth. In their native surroundings, Charles and Mary were blessed with three sons, Don, Lindall and Glenn.

For many years, Charles and Mary owned and operated a car dealership, Roark Auto Exchange, in Alto. Mary was also a skillful bookkeeper at her nephew’s accounting office in Rusk. Staying true to her calling, she was also the loving caretaker of her mother, husband, three children, grandchildren—and anyone who needed a helping hand.
Charles and Mary were such dedicated disciples, they helped establish the Calvary Tabernacle Pentecostal Church. Many lives were impacted by their godly examples of love and selfless giving.
Preceding Mary’s entrance into Heaven was Charles, her husband of 48 years; her son, Don; grandson, David; and four siblings.

Those who are still awaiting that glorious reunion are her two sons, Lindall (wife Brenda) and Glenn; grandchildren, Billy, Larry, Chuck, Debbie, Paul, and Melissa (husband David); and great-grandchildren, Linda (husband Juan), Jessie, Katelyn, Jake, Kendall, Bryan, Celena, Joshua and David Jr.