Annie Martin Roach

Annie Christian Martin Roach, 96, of Lovingston, VA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Fairmont Crossing in Amherst. She was born on May 5,1929, in Pamplin,VA, to Samuel Hubert Martin and Mary Ranson Martin. In addition to her parents, Annie was preceded in death by William Rodney Roach, her loving husband of 71 years and by her step-mother Jessie Harvey Martin and step-sister Donna Martin Pattie.

At the age of 7, Annie lost her mother to Leukemia and she was raised by her maternal grandmother Claudie in a house full of love and surrounded by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Annie and Rodney met when they were just babies, growing up together, attending the same church and school. After Annie graduated from Phillips Business School, Annie and Rodney were married in 1950 at a small ceremony at the Evergreen parsonage. They had 71 years together, both retiring early to spend more time with each other and their family. In those years they fished a lot with Annie trying to out fish Rodney, which she did many times.

In the early years Annie worked as a bookkeeper for Craddock Terry Shoe Company and Dale Garment Factory, both in Lynchburg. She retired in 1989 after working 17 years for the Nelson County School Board. She continued into her 80’s to work part time at the Nelson County Credit Union.

Annie had a strong faith in God and a servant’s heart. She actively served at Calvary Baptist Church for 60 years. She was a member of the BWC, volunteered as the church secretary until one was hired, sang in the choir, and prepared meals for church suppers, the Singles Valentine Dinner, and Homecoming. She worked in Vacation Bible School well into her 80’s. At Fairmont Crossing, she was always on the move, checking on other residents to find out how she could help them. She was a great cook and was known for her homemade rolls, often given out to friends and neighbors much to the disappointment of Rodney.

Annie enjoyed being with her grandchildren, setting up slip-n-slide in the backyard, taking them swimming at Isaac Walton, and camping at Staunton River State Park.

Annie is survived by her three children – Lynn Roach (Ski Fabyanic), Sharon Campbell (Paul), and Ann Marie Adams (Dennis); six grandchildren – Brett Carter (Leslie), Katie Campbell Proffitt, Chris Campbell (Cara), Rebekah Folsom (Christian Pickett), Kevin Folsom (Jennifer), and Zac Folsom; and ten great grandchildren – Sterling Carter, Addison and Annabelle Norris; Austin, Harper and Brooklyn Proffitt, Farrah and Lana Folsom, Marsali and Theo Campbell.

The family is grateful to all the family and friends who visited, sent cards, and prayed for Annie. We are thankful to her caregivers while she was still at home - Debbie Thompson and Elaine Woodson. We are grateful to the staff at Fairmont who took such good care of her.

A celebration of Annie’s life will be at 11 am on Monday, January 5th, at Calvary Baptist Church in Lovingston, with Pastor Tyler Lucas officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service. A graveside service will be held later that day at 3:00 pm at Rocks Baptist Church, 393 Rocks Church Road, Pamplin, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Calvary BWC, Calvary Baptist Church, 8408 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Lovingston, VA.