Deaconess Hazel Elizabeth Roach passed away peacefully on October 28, 2014. God whispered come home my child your work is done down there. She was born in Amherst County, October 05, 1934 to the late William and Dorothy Dempsey. She moved to Washington DC in the 1950's, raising her seven children; moving to Lynchburg VA in 1976. She worked at Virginia Sports Wear for four years. In 1980 she started her own Day Care Nursery, raising many children until she retired in 1995. She became a faithful member of Greater Peaceful Zion Baptist Church; where she formed and became the Pastor Aide President for 38 years. She loved the Lord and was a woman of great faith and a prayer warrior. She had a very sweet and gracious Spirit, loving and showed kindness to everyone. Always willing to give, never complaining and putting others needs before her's. She was truly the matriarch of her family, who enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking cakes, her infamous Hermit Cake. She loved traveling and meeting people, no one was ever considered a stranger once they meet her. Her church has a saying Love Is, As Love Does, Love Is An Action Word, she was always saying to everyone I LOVE YOU and always demonstrated love in action. She loved to dress and wear fashionable hats. Often was asked why she had so many shoes and she would state that as a child she did not have shoes and many days she wore only burlap on her feet and even went barefooted to school. While in the hospital she asked her daughter Carolyn Elizabeth whom she calls baby girl to make sure that the church sings two songs, "Let the works I've done speak for me" and "He's done so much for me, I cannot tell it all", which she sung to us in its entirety. Shortly thereafter she went to be with The Lord! Hazel was preceded in death by one daughter, Odessa Rucker; son, Lewis Rucker and grandson, Antwan LaMontah George Rucker. Those left to cherish her memories are her loving husband, Robert Roach, of Lynchburg; two daughters, Dorothy L. Johnson (John), of Washington, DC; Carolyn Elizabeth Price (Tony), of Lynchburg and three sons, Willie Rucker, Jr.(Desiree), Preston Rucker and Andre Rucker; eleven grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Miller, Sarah Mackey and Florence Robinson; devoted friends, Sarah Davis and Rose Christian and a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.