Elizabeth Ann Nash Roach ("Liz")

Elizabeth Ann Nash Roach, lovingly known as "Liz," "Mama," or "Nanny Roach," passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the age of 90. She was the devoted wife of the late James Edwin Roach, with whom she shared sixty-seven wonderful years of marriage. Born on March 4, 1936, in Prince Edward County, Virginia, Liz was the daughter of the late Whitford Raymond Nash and Mary Elizabeth Moon Nash. 

She was preceded in death by her half brothers, Raymond Hailey, Reginald Hailey, Roy Hailey, Ronald Hailey, and Randall Hailey. 

She spent her childhood in Towson, Maryland, before moving to Keysville at the age of 16. She graduated from Randolph-Henry High School in 1955, and after meeting the love of her life, Ed, through mutual friends, they married and built a life together on the family farm near Brookneal. Liz was first and foremost a loving and dedicated mother to her four children: David Roach (Susan) of Brookneal, Tim Roach of Brookneal, Donna Bradley (Bill) of Lynchburg, and Danelle Nutter (Eric) of Barboursville. She took great joy in watching her family grow and was blessed with six grandchildren: Amanda Short (Thomas) of Nathalie, Melissa Roach of Cape May, New Jersey, Andrew Roach (Liz) of Brookneal, Josie Carwile (Matt) of Rustburg, Autumn Enoch (Ryan) of Nathalie, and Tucker Burch (Nichole) of Richmond. She was also the proud great-grandmother of Estella Short, Carrington Short, William Short, John Thomas Short, Caroline Roach, Raelyn Carwile, Bailah Carwile, Farmer Carwile, Lennox Enoch, Logan Enoch, and Blakely Burch.

As a young girl, Liz enjoyed climbing cherry trees with her favorite cousin, Jerry, playing basketball— saying she may have been short, but she was quick! — discovering a lifelong love of reading that remained one of her greatest pleasures. Liz had a creative spirit and found joy in making beautiful things with her hands. She loved crafting, cross-stitching, gardening and crocheting. Never one to stop learning, after raising her children she even began taking piano lessons, making use of the family piano that sat quietly in the home. She also had a love for thrifting and never missed a good yard sale. A faithful member of Beulah Baptist Church, Liz's Christian faith was the foundation of her life. She lived with kindness, quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her gentle spirit, warm smile, and loving heart will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Jeffress Funeral Home, 304 Lusardi Drive Brookneal, VA 24528. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Liz's memory to the Alzheimer's Association to support Alzheimer's research, care, and family services.