May Roark

May Brown Mount Roark, 94, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, at her residence in Huntersville, North Carolina.

Born on May 31, 1930, in Mountain City, Tennessee, May was the daughter of Wiley Brown and Mary Hamilton Mount. She was born on the Maymead Farm, a place that would remain a focal point throughout her life and career.

May was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. Kenneth L. Roark, and her brother, B.K. “Bud” Mount. She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Roark Hewitt, and her husband, Joseph Hewitt; her son, Wiley Barton Roark, and his wife, Caroline Bible Roark; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A true renaissance woman, May led a life filled with intellectual achievement, artistic expression, business acumen, and generous service. She held a Master’s degree in Music from the University of Tennessee as well as a Master’s in Mathematics. As a talented concert harpist, she performed with orchestras across Tennessee and shared her passion through teaching. She served as Director of Music for North Johnson City Baptist Church for many years, reflecting her servant’s heart and deep love for sacred music.

Beyond music, May was a horticulturist of note and a dedicated garden club competitor at both local and regional levels. She and her husband Ken were avid collectors of period furnishings and antique lovers who explored every shop within a six-state radius.

May’s career path was as diverse as her interests. She worked as an accountant before returning to her roots, spending over 35 years working alongside her brother and son to manage Maymead Farm and expand a successful road construction business that now serves four states.

Known for her sharp wit and keen sense of humor, May was a voracious reader, a follower of current events, and never one to shy away from a lively political discussion around the dinner table. Her compassion extended to many causes—especially children’s charities and organizations dedicated to ending domestic abuse.

In her final act of giving, May donated her body to the Experience Anatomy Foundation for educational purposes. Her cremains will later be returned to the family, who will privately scatter her ashes across her cherished Maymead Farm.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 200 Maywood Lane, Mountain City, TN 37683.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Elizabethton, Tennessee.