Mary Pauline Roark

Mary Pauline Trivette Roark, age 87 of Jefferson, passed away on June 14, 2026 at Ashe Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family. Mrs. Roark was born to Dewey and Ella Trivette of Zionville on May 24, 1939. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Roark. Mrs. Roark is survived by her children – Gale and Ben Jones of Creston; Dean and Beth Roark of Millers Creek; Beth and Jerry Blevins of Lansing; Lane and Lenore Roark of Rock Creek; and Fawn Roark of West Jefferson. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Roark was a strong woman, a faithful Christian, and a dedicated Mother who prioritized her mission of ensuring all her children knew the importance of knowing Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Her children recall that she was an amazing mother who made them her priority and she was quick to tell anyone her biggest accomplishment was raising her children. She spent time praying for them, even about needs she had recognized that they might not have even realized. She prioritized teaching them morals and values that she instilled in them such as knowing Sunday was the time to be in church and not letting yourself wonder if you felt like going. Many of her grandchildren recall fond memories of sitting with her at Ben Bolen Baptist Church where she loved to sing alto in the hymns.

Mrs. Roark was the children’s Sunday School teacher for many years and made a life-long impact on her community. She also advocated for the paving of Ben Bolen Road in the 60s by sending letters to the Governor that she typed on a manual typewriter she got just for that purpose. She had a way of teaching her family members life lessons while she was loving and leading. She was an avid reader throughout the years. Her children remember her reading the Bible story book to them every night before bed and she could often be seen reading her Bible and the Daily Bread the next morning.

She was a caring mother and Ma-Ma who paid attention to things that were important to her circle of loved ones from knowing their favorite color to their favorite snack, food, or dessert. As she got older, she loved receiving sweet treats and cute little gifts from her children and grandchildren that made her feel loved. She truly accomplished her personal goal of “growing old gracefully.” She loved well and lived contentedly. Her children rise up and call her blessed. Psalm 31:28.

The family will receive friends from 3-4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Ben Bolen Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Elder Frankie Rash and Elder Tommy Dollar to officiate. Burial will follow at Roark Family Cemetery (Ben Bolen Road, Creston, NC). Pallbearers will be Mark Jones, Jeremy Hale, Jeremy Blevins, Elijah Roark, Joby Roark, Josiah Roark, Luke Roark, Micaiah Roark, and Jake Roark.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607-3000.

The family of Mary Pauline Roark has entrusted her services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, Tennessee, 37683.