JoAnn Roach – age 84, went home to be with her Savior after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease on January 4, 2026. She was born on July 1, 1941.
JoAnn was well known throughout Grainger and surrounding counties for her God-given gift of music, especially her extraordinary talent on the piano. JoAnn faithfully served as pianist at Indian Ridge Baptist Church beginning in 1958 at the age of 17, continuing her ministry there until 2025. She led the youth choir, which traveled and performed in many places, and she played for countless weddings and funerals. She also traveled extensively to support and accompany numerous individual vocalists and groups.
Piano was her passion and her legacy. She could read music as well as play by ear and memory, often shifting seamlessly from one song to another without the need for sheet music. She instinctively adjusted notes, timing, and volume to perfectly accompany whoever was singing or performing. Any room or church she played in resonated with emotion and worship. She truly had a God-given gift of music.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Dorcas Davis; her brother, Eddie Davis; her nephew, Doug Davis; and her infant grandchildren, Brandon and Rachel Roach.
JoAnn is survived by her husband of 66 years, Woody Roach; her daughter, Rita (Gregg) Dies of Knoxville (Halls), Tennessee; and her son, Barry (Tami) Roach of Blaine, Tennessee. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Chelsea (Aaron) Suffridge of Knoxville (Halls), Tennessee; Keith (Makayla) Roach; Kara Roach of Blaine, Tennessee; and Jessica Dies of Knoxville (Halls), Tennessee. She leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Avery and Axton Roach, and Montgomery Dies.
The family will receive friends at Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37924, on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The funeral service will immediately follow promptly at 7:00 PM, with Rev. Gary Satterfield and Rev. Luke Kidwell officiating.
Family and friends will gather at 11:45 AM on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Indian Ridge Cemetery for a 12:00 PM Graveside Service.
Serving as Honorary Pall bearers will be her grandson Keith Roach, her nephews Randy and Gary Davis, Brad and David Roach and great-nephew Dylan Davis.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Indian Ridge Baptist Church, PO Box 28 Blaine, Tennessee 37709. Please note the funds donated are in memory of JoAnn Roach.
Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com