Helen Roark

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Helen Faye Hoskins Roark, age 86, of New Tazewell, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2026.

Born and raised in Kentucky, Helen grew up with a deep appreciation for education, community, and faith. At the tender age of 15, she was saved and subsequently baptized at the Old Blue Hole at Clear Creek, establishing a lifelong spiritual foundation. She attended the Henderson Settlement School before going on to pursue her higher education at Cumberland College and Eastern Kentucky University.

In 1966, Helen married the love of her life, Herbert "Herby Joe" Roark. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with deep devotion and partnership, residing for many years in Pineville, Kentucky. Following their retirements, they moved to New Tazewell, Tennessee, to enjoy their later years together.

Helen and Herby shared a deep passion for travel and exploration. Every single summer, they hit the open road, eventually covering the entire United States. These road trips were true family adventures, as they always brought along Helen's mother and her sister, sharing the ride and making unforgettable memories together. Of all the places they explored, Helen held a very special love for Yellowstone National Park, making it a priority to try and visit its wonders every year.

Helen dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds and supporting students. Her career as an educator began at Long Jack, where she served as a compassionate special education teacher. She later transitioned to Bell County High School, where she shared her expertise teaching business classes until her retirement. Even after retiring from the classroom, Helen remained active and engaged with those around her, bringing her characteristic warmth and work ethic to brief positions at Belk and Claiborne County Hospital.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herby Joe; her mother, Lavada Lorene Rosenbalm Chandler; her brother-in-law, Fred Roark; and her niece, Joetta Roark Thompson.

Left to mourn her absence are her brother, Fuson Lee Pratt Jr. and his wife Christine, of Texas; her sister, Gloria Chandler, of Texas; and her special sister-in-law and best friend, Brenda Roark McKeehan, of Pineville. She also leaves behind a host of cherished nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces who loved her dearly.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Arnett & Steele Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Pineville Memorial Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 12:00 PM until the funeral hour at Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Pineville, which is honored to serve the Roark Family.