Betty Jo Roark

Betty Jo "Jody" Roark, beloved mother, wife, teacher, gardener, history lover, fashionista, and lifelong caretaker of the people and places she loved, passed away on August 27, 2026. She was born in Fitzgerald, Georgia on October 23, 1934. Jody is survived by her two sons, George Anthony Roark and Charles Robert Roark. Jody is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Nathalie Roark, George's wife, and their daughter, Morganne Roark, her only grandchild. George served for 24 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Charles spent more than 20 years as a teacher in the State of Texas and continues to live there today. Morganne held a particularly special place in Jody's heart. Jody once described her granddaughter as having "the light of God in all she does." Those words reflected the love, admiration, and pride Jody had for her only grandchild. Jody was married to Neal S. Roark for more than 50 years until his death on June 1, 2012. Together, Neal and Jody built a life on their farm where they lived for nearly 40 years and raised cattle, horses and numerous other animals. The farm was more than a place to live. It was their home, their work, and a reflection of the life they built together. When Neal became ill in 2002, Jody and Neal moved from the farm to Newnan, Georgia where she lived with George and his family for 18 years. Jody was strongly loyal and supportive of Neal in his 10 years of sickness. During this time, she balanced caring for her husband while remaining very involved with Newnan clubs such as the Red Hatters, Senior Friends, and Never Grow Old (NGO). And, of course, she had her yard. Jody was a master gardener in every sense of the word. She took tremendous pride in her yard, so there were always flowers-lots of flowers. More than a few people thought it rivaled Callaway Gardens and Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Jody often told her son George, "I love making things beautiful." Jody was also, in every sense of the word, a lady who believed in looking her best. Even a trip to the convenience store for a gallon of milk meant dressing to the nines. Her wardrobe was extensive, and her collection of costume jewelry was legendary. She was a combination of Betty White, Blanche Devereaux from The Golden Girls, and Dolly Parton all rolled into one. Her son, George, often joked that if you told Jody, "I'm going to a conference and the theme is black cats with red hats," she would respond, "I have a pendant or a belt that would be perfect for that." That was Jody. She was prepared for everything. Jody was a teacher for 24 years. She earned her undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern and her master's degree from the University of Alabama. She spent much of her career at a small rural country school in Ramer, Alabama, teaching fifth- and sixth-grade students how to read. She was strict but fair. While she expected her students to work hard, follow the rules, and do their best, she genuinely cared about them and their success. To Jody, reading was not simply another subject in school but a skill that could open the door to the rest of a child's life. The lasting impact Jody had on her students became especially clear over the past 25 years. During that time, George was contacted at least six times by former students of his mother, and each essentially had the same request: "Please tell your mother thank you for teaching me how to read." Those calls meant a great deal to George, but they were also a testament to the lasting impact Jody made on her students' lives. Decades after leaving her fifth- and sixth-grade classroom, former students still remembered the teacher who had given them one of the most important skills they would ever possess. For a teacher, there may be no greater compliment. Her love of learning extended beyond the classroom. Jody especially loved history and enjoyed sharing her knowledge of the people, places, and events of the past. Whether it was her garden, her home, her appearance, or the people around her, Jody found great satisfaction in making things better and more beautiful. George has countless stories about his mother that will continue to be told and retold by the family. Some are funny, some are touching, and undoubtedly some will become even better with time. Those stories, along with the lessons she taught and the beauty she created, will keep Jody's memory alive. Jody wanted to leave this world much the same way she entered it-simply and without unnecessary ceremony. Her written wishes were that she wanted nothing official after her passing. She didn't want a lot of fuss, but she certainly left a lot behind. Her former students remembered her. Her friends and family will remember her. And the people whose lives she touched will carry a part of her with them. She really did have a life well lived. Jody left the world a little more beautiful than she found it, and she will be missed by hundreds of people, especially her immediate family. Online condolences can be shared with the family by visiting www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 770-253-4580

Betty Jo Roark

October 23, 1934 - August 27, 2026