Jennifer Leigh Roark

VERNON HILL - Jennifer Leigh Roark, beloved Mother, Daughter, Sister, Partner, Aunt, Niece, Cousin and Friend, passed away November 1, 2021 at her home in Vernon Hill, Virginia, after fighting a long, courageous battle with cancer. Jennifer was born in Los Angeles, California and grew up in Japan, Central America and southern Florida until she made her final home in South Boston/Vernon Hill, Virginia. Jennifer graduated from Halifax County High School. She pursued a career in sales with Bo’s Hydraulics, Inc. of South Boston, of which she excelled. She then advanced into the position of Hydraulic Coordinator/Trainer with Hawkins-Graves, Inc. of Lynchburg, VA of which she loved. Due to her superior skills, hard work, and all-encompassing personality, she also excelled in helping promote their hydraulic division. Jennifer felt like her greatest accomplishment was raising a well-adjusted, kind and intelligent son, Eli. In addition to being survived by her son, Elijah “Eli” Satoru Roark, she is also survived by her step-daughter, Cheyenne Perkins of Clover, VA; father, T. L. “Whitey” Roark, Jr. of Alton, VA; her brother, T. Lloyd Roark III (Molly) of Durham, NC; her partner, Greg Perkins of Vernon Hill, VA; her niece, Clorissa Roark of Durham, NC; her aunts, Mary Jane Roark of South Boston, VA, Peggy L. Roark of Creedmoor, NC, Helen Roark Osteen (Mike) of Jacksonville, FL,; her cousins, Tammi Angel Eberhart (Rick) of Jacksonville, FL, Traci Ciafardini (Will) of Raleigh, NC, Ashley Puryear of Raleigh, NC, Hannah Eberhart of Jacksonville, FL, and Anthony Ciafardini of Raleigh, NC. Jennifer was preceded in death by her mother, Yumi Adachi Roark of Anaheim, CA and her fraternal grandparents, T. L. “Whitey” and Annie Lee Roark of South Boston, VA. She is also survived by her notable friend and mentor who was “chosen family”, Thomas Rice of Virgilina, VA, in addition to her Hawkins-Graves “Work Family” and many special customers. Jennifer will be forever remembered for her radiant smile, determination, strong-willed fortitude, her love of nature and sharing all that love with her son, Eli. Her sincere bear hugs were always enjoyed and will be forever missed. Jen was “one tough lady” and always said she took after her Daddy! A memorial service will be scheduled and announced at a later date.