Nora Ann Roark

Nora Byers Roark, age 87, of Johnson City, passed away Friday, January 6, 2012 at the Johnson City Medical Center. She was born in Mitchell County, North Carolina, and resided most of her life in Johnson City. She retired from East Tennessee State University in April of 1990 and was a member of King Springs Baptist Church. Her strong Christian faith was her life and she loved talking about the Bible and her Lord! Nora was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Julia Whitson; her husband of many years, Garfield Byers; three sisters, Irene Whitson, Eulah Nelson, Thelma Dugger, and one brother, Wade Whitson. Survivors include her son, Jim Byers of Johnson City and daughter, Janet Smith Woodie and husband Perry of Linville, NC. She is also survived by one brother, Page Whitson and wife Helen of Jonesborough and one sister, Peggy Howell and husband Dickie of Atlanta, GA. Nora was also blessed to have two grandsons; Adam Smith and fiancée Jessica Fair and Shannon Byers and wife Deanna, all of Johnson City. Three great-grandchildren also survive; Andrew and Courtney Byers and Ayden Smith. Several nieces and nephews also survive. The family wishes to express special thanks to the staff of Asbury Center and also to the Johnson City Medical Center Emergency Room Staff and ICU Unit for the excellent care they all gave to Nora. The funeral service for Nora Byers Roark will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 9, 2012, in the Morris-Baker South Chapel with Rev. Bill Greer officiating. The graveside committal service will be held immediately following the service at the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Friends and family will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 1 p.m. prior to the service and may also call at the residence of Jim Byers at 143 Cedar Grove Road , Johnson City TN. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you make a contribution to the charity of your choice.