Bobbye Jean Roye

Heaven has gained one of the most precious women that has ever walked the face of this Earth. On Sunday, February 26, surrounded by her husband and children, Bobbye Jean Roye found perfect peace and healing in the arms of her Savior. After 90 years of living life to the fullest, she surely entered heaven’s gates singing and dancing as she was made whole again and reunited with so many she has loved and served in this life. What a testimony of faith, love, and selflessness she lived throughout her long and fruitful life.

A true Southern girl, she was born to John Henry Heavner and Lillian Hanes Smith on November 3, 1932 in Prentiss County, MS and also lived part of her childhood in Redbay, AL. She grew up in the fields during difficult times and was no stranger to hard work. One of twelve siblings, she learned servitude from a young age.

She graduated from Baldwyn High School in 1952 and began work as a switchboard operator with South Central Bell in Tupelo. It was during this time that she caught the eye of Sam Roye. Within the year, they were married on November 7, 1953 and moved to Santa Barbara, California where Sam was stationed on the USS PCS 1444 (Submarine Chaser).

During this time, Sam and Bobbye welcomed son, Jim. After 4 years in the US Navy and a deployment to Korea, Bobby and her sailor headed back east where they added two more children, Tim and Barbara, to their growing family. They chose Amory, MS due to Sam’s employment with Dalrymple Equipment Company, and they became faithful charter members of Meadowood Baptist Church. As a loving, but stern, stay-at-home mom, she supplemented the family income through various jobs throughout the years, her work as a Sarah Coventry jewelry consultant was likely her favorite. When her children were older, Bobbye managed The Pants Store for the Amory Garment Company for 28 years until she retired to be a full-time grandmother, wife, and mother to her growing family! One of her coveted affiliations in retirement years was that of a breakfast club member at Country Boys Hamburgers. The pandemic changed the location of her breakfast club to Jacks in Amory as she sat on the passenger side each morning as Sam drove through to order. But, this gave them an opportunity to touch the lives of yet another group of people every morning. They became special to Jacks and the Jacks crew became special to them.

Bobbye’s zeal for life was evident in the way she lived daily. She laughed with utmost joy. She danced without a care in the world. She joked and sang silly songs to entertain and bring joy to others. She played with babies, children, and animals everywhere she ever went. She captivated a room when primed to perform. She competed to win no matter who or what she was playing. She created jewelry, paintings, and crafts to make the world around her more beautiful. She challenged her mind through games and puzzles to sharpen her wit and combat Alzheimer’s. And in all these things, she learned the value of hard work and time well-spent. She lived grateful for life and family. She loved without ceasing. She served without expectation of anything in return. She trusted in Jesus Christ as her personal savior and lived life according to his will.

She is survived by her loving husband and best friend, Samuel James Roye. Other survivors include: her sons, James Allen (Jim) Roye (Kathy) and Timothy Louis (Tim) Roye (Debbie); and her daughter, Barbara Roye Witcher (Mitch); and daughter-in-law, Carolyn Roye. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Josh Roye (Jenny), Kristen Roye Satterfield (Blake), Amanda Roye, Alan Roye (Susie), Mitch Witcher (Emily). She is also survived by: Abby, Eli, and Mary-Ann Roye; Brea Satterfield; Taylor and Landyn Gunnells; Mitchell and Samantha Witcher. She also leaves behind three sister-in-laws, Sarah Heavner, Jean Heavner, Opal Gilmore, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two infant siblings as well as: brothers, Hobo, Jiggs, Smith, Billy Joe, Johnny, and Troy; sisters, Ruby, Lurlene, and Marie.

She fought the good fight. She finished the race. She kept the faith. And now Bobbye Jean Roye has been made whole again to live for eternity with her Savior.

The family would like to thank Dr. Roy Thomas, Halcyon Hospice, and Oak Tree Manor for their exceptional care and service.

Her Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 11:00 am at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory, MS with Bro. Hal Bates and Bro. Lloyd Minor officiating. Graveside burial will follow at 1:30pm on Friday, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Pontotoc, MS with Pallbearers being Howard Brannon, David Best, Larry Goudelock, Mitch Witcher, Josh Roye, Blake Satterfield, and Alan Roye. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Thomas’s Office Staff, Halcyon Hospice Staff, Oak Tree Manor Staff, Jack’s Restaurant, Amory Staff and Country Boys Hamburgers Staff.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday evening at the funeral home in Amory, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Pleasant Grove Cemetery Fund, 917 Garrett Creek Loop, Pontotoc, MS, 38863.