The earthly journey of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-

grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt and friend began

on March 18, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania born to the late Floyd

Humphrey and Izetta Singleton.

As a young girl growing up in North Philadelphia, Garnet enjoyed playing

Jacks and jumping rope. Double Dutch was her best game. She often

mentioned the style of clothing worn in those days by the girls. The poodle

skirts, bobbie socks, and sandals. She’d say, “I had it going on.” Garnet

was educated in the Philadelphia Public Schools. She attended William

Penn High School.

Garnet faced severe medical challenges in her youth to where she didn’t

experience much of a teenaged life. For one year she was hospitalized in a

full body cast and had to learn to walk again. Garnet was a go-getter.

She was the very definition of grace and grit.

Garnet made 85 look like 55 every single day. Strong-willed, quick-witted, determined and sharp as ever. Her memory was remarkable. She could back date events and family stories that most of us forgot about. She had

a strong work ethic. She believed in working for the things she wanted, not

relying on a handout from others.

Garnet was the first born, as she would often say. There were times when

she worked two jobs to provide for her mother, sister, brother and her three

sons. She never complained or brought up all she did to keep the family

fed, clothed and sheltered. In the early 1960s, she was the first African

American hostess at one of Center City Philadelphia’s finest restaurants.

She worked as a cashier at the A&P Market off Hunting Park Avenue in

Philadelphia. Also, she was employed by Wyeth Ayerst, supervising

medication technicians. In the late 1950s, Garnet met and married Henry Roach.

Their union was blessed with three sons, Frank “Petey” (who preceded her in death), Rhan,

and Barry. She was the devoted grandmother of six and the proud great-

grandmother of 17.

She was a matriarch in every sense – the cornerstone of her family’s joy

and strength. She loved her family. She showed up for everything:

birthdays, holidays, graduations, dance recitals, baby dedications, and

backyard barbecues. She always remembered to put birthday cards in the

mail. She was the “one call away” family member. The one you knew would

answer the call, the one you didn’t have to ask twice for assistance, and the

one who showed up without hesitation. Whether you needed help, a meal,

or backup, Garnet was always ready and willing to help you.

Garnet had a copyright on “Keep it moving” never letting grass grow under

her feet. She was more active in her 70s and 80s than ever before. She

enjoyed taking trips and going on cruises.

Garnet came to faith in Christ in her youthful years. She was a former

member of Faith Baptist Church in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania under

the pastorate of the late Reverend Dr. Perry E. Evans. She sang in the

Fellowship Choir.

Shortly after relocating to Camden New Jersey in 1969, she united with

Antioch Baptist Church. Garnet was most active in ministry at Antioch. She

was passionate about the meaningful service offered by the Food and

Clothing Ministry. Serving the community was close to her heart and she

looked forward to the days she served at the trailer. When the ministry’s

workers began to dwindle because of aging, relocating and health

concerns, she purposed in her heart that she would do her best to remain

active. Garnet loved the sisters who served in the food ministry.

Garnet’s Legacy - Two sons, Rhan E. Roach (Angela) and Barry Roach, six

grandchildren, Rhan H. Roach, Rache Henderson (Nathaniel), David

Roach, Christopher A. Roach (Danielle), Kareem Carter and Dalaina Smith

(Tyrik), 17 great-grandchildren, a devoted sister, Philissa P. Arnold

(Wendell), Anya, Alannah, Ava and Jace, who she loved like her

grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, friends and

her Antioch Baptist Church family.

The Lord called home another pillar of strength, a woman whose life was a

master class in loyalty, faith, humor, and heart. Her legacy is one of

showing up, standing strong and loving deeply. And though she has

transitioned to her eternal home, the memory of Garnet Roach will forever

remain in the stories we tell, the wisdom we carry, and the love we pass on.