AUGUST 4, 1933 – AUGUST 19, 2026
In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors
Funeral Services will be held for Mrs. Mary Louise Roark at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 11:00 am with interment following at Old Palestine Cemetery in Alto, Texas. Services will be led by Pastor Ennis Fuller, Eastside United Pentecostal Church.
Mrs. Roark, age 93, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 in Round Rock, Texas.
The family welcomes friends to join them for a time of visitation on Tuesday morning at 10:00 am, prior to the service at 11:00 am.
Mary Louise Roark was born on August 4, 1933, in Magee Mississippi, to Lawrence Colon Floyd and Ola Louise Gilmore Floyd. Louise was a remarkable lady known for her sweet spirit, gracious hosting, and love for her family, friends, and Jesus.
After graduating from Florence High School in Mississippi, Louise worked as a bookkeeper and spent her free time filled with church activities that included singing in a Gospel Trio. On a fateful night at Louisiana Camp Meeting, she met the man, Elbert Roark, who was to be the love of her life and bring her Mississippi grace to the wonderful state of Texas. After marriage in 1957, together they owned and operated Roark Auto Supply and Machine Shop in Nacogdoches. In the late 1960’s they began a new venture in real estate, developing numerous subdivisions and properties around Nacogdoches County. Together, they were a united team that built businesses, but also endeavored to help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in every way they could. They were a support system for many churches and ministries through the years, always ready with open hands to serve.
Louise was gifted with exquisite taste and a special talent for hospitality. She opened her beautiful home and her heart, using these gifts to bless her friends, family, and the church community. To be a guest in her home and experience her Southern charm was a true delight. She made everyone who entered feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Her graciousness, beautiful smile, and joy were contagious. If she knew you, she loved you—and you loved her.
Her life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, hospitality, and service. She leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the many lives she touched and in the family she loved so dearly. Most of all, she leaves the precious testimony of a life lived for Jesus and the assurance that she is now resting in the presence of the Lord she loved.
Louise is preceded in death by her parents; Colon and Ola Floyd; step-mother, Mary Saucier Haggard Floyd; husband, Elbert Roark; sister Ann Minton; step-brother Larry Haggard, and grandson Carl Hillhouse.
Her memory will forever be cherished by her son Edwin Roark (Kristi) of Georgetown; and her daughter Jayne Hillhouse (Neal) of Etoile. The legacy of their Gran Gran will live on in her grandchildren: Alexandra Fernbach (Michael); Benjamin Roark; Caleb Roark (Ashleigh); and June Hillhouse (Curt); great-grandchildren, Dustin Webb (Angel); Chase Webb (Jessica); Linsie Bobbit (Justin); Halden Packard; as well as five great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.