Deaconess Velma Louise Roach

Deaconess Velma Roach answered the Master’s call on Monday, August 2, 2021. She entered into the garden on July 31 to Jobie and Idella Johnson.

Deaconess Roach accepted Christ at an early age. She lived her life based on faith and was a faithful member of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church. Under the leadership of the late Pastor Harold Gates, she learned to serve Christ in an extraordinary capacity. She continued her Christian duties under Pastor Robert Davis, Jr.

Deaconess Roach worked for Dow Corning Medical product plant in Hemlock, Michigan for 29.5 years before successfully retiring in 2001. Her livelihood and work didn’t stop there. She became a skilled baker, canner, and repaired homes alongside her husband, Malcolm Roach, Sr. She also served as an organizer and baked cakes and bread. With her sharp mind, she learned computer skills, quilting and knitting easily.

Known as the Matriarch of our family, she was an active listener, keeping peace amongst all, and earned her respect from the entire family. Her family was her greatest strength and her love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was unmatched. Beyond missing her smiles and hugs, Velma’s presence will be missed by her sisters, brothers, and her friends. Bake Cake will leave behind the recipes that only she mastered.


She leaves to cherish her memory a dear devoted husband, Malcolm Roach Sr.; three children whom she loved dearly, Joann (Larry Sr.) West, Saginaw, Michigan, Jerome ( Ann Marie) Johnson, Hopedale, Massachusetts, Michael Thomas, Grand Rapids, Michigan; one stepson, Malcom Roach Jr., Saginaw, Michigan; grandchildren, Latrice (Frank), Jemarris, Alexander, Larry Jr., Neshon, Larkin, Lakin, ShaKayla, Aniya, Jaylicia, Anna; one brother, Willie F. Johnson, Saginaw, Michigan; three sisters, Annie Johnson, Brooklyn, New York, Linda Johnson, Montgomery, Alabama, Idella Johnson, Columbus, Georgia; one nephew she considered as a brother, Willie (Regina) Johnson and nephew she raised as a son, Kenneth Johnson, Montgomery, Alabama; three sisters-in-law, Mary Johnson, Annie Jane Johnson, and Louise Johnson; sixteen great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones and friends, including best friends Deacon and Sister Shirley Jones, Ethel Smith, Corine Williams, Alma Clark, Sister Cook, Sister Ray, Sister Young and Sister Drain.

Deaconess Roach was preceded in death by her parents, Jobie and Idella Johnson; five brothers; four sisters; and one great-grandson.