ANNABELLE ROACH, daughter of the late Val and Rosetta Harris, was born June 24, 1939, in Uniontown, Alabama. She departed this life peacefully on August 13, 2023.
She married Horace Roach on August 3, 1957, and out of this union they were blessed with 15 children, five sons and 10 daughters. Shortly thereafter, they moved to New Jersey and raised their family there, first in Morganville, then in Cliffwood, and finally settling in Long Branch in 1981.
Annabelle was a homemaker for most of her adult life, joyfully taking care of her children, and then her grandchildren. Annabelle was a kind, loving woman and this was evident to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She had the unique ability to make everyone she conversed with feel important and comfortable.
Annabelle loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor, making lovingly sarcastic remarks that would have those around her cracking up. She loved music, especially anything from Motown and was also quite the dancer in her day. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends in Atlantic City where there was certainly a slot machine with her name on it. She also loved flowers and red roses always made her smile.
Annabelle is predeceased by her husband, Horace Roach; her daughters Mary Rose Roach Cox and LaVern Cobbs; her parents, Val and Rosetta Harris; and her sisters, Pearly Kearney, Carrie Lee Harris and Gail Haskins.
Annabelle leaves to cherish her memory her children, Horace “Peter” Roach, Jr., Michelle Sutherland (James), Mark Anthony Roach, Monica Roach Williams (James), Judy Sharkey (Brian), Derrick Roach (April), Lana Dean (Derrick), Veronica Dorsey (Moroni), Carrie Kee, Brett Taylor Roach, Traci Elyse Blakenship (Joseph), Clifton John Roach (Nydia) and Brencee Rosetta Roach; brother LaSalle Harris; sisters Leola Harris Finley, Rita Harris and Lisa Harris; sister-in-law Doris Roach Goode; dearest friends June Dean, Mildred Jeffcoat and Mavis Preddy; over 100 loving grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
*Please send all floral arrangements to Matawan United Methodist Church, 478 S. Atlantic Avenue, Matawan, NJ 07747*
