Hyacinth Roach

Mrs. Hyacinth Lolita Roach (nee Clarke) was born September 1, 1922, in Montego Bay, Jamaica W.I. The family relocated to Kingston where she attended the Central Branch school and the Durham College of Commerce. She taught at the Mae Wright Private school in Alman Town, Kingston, for two years. Prior to relocating to the United States in 1965 she was employed as a Bookkeeper for the Brown Establishment in Kingston Jamaica. Hyacinth married Canute Roach (deceased) in 1966 and settled in Somerset, NJ. She was employed by A.R. Winarick Cosmetics and then Personal Products, a Johnson and Johnson company, for 12 years. She retired from J & J in 1987. Mrs. Roach was a devoted member of the Premier Family Life Ministries for several years. She was an intelligent, witty, strong, hardworking and compassionate woman. Mrs. Roach kept herself up to date on all current events and was never afraid to share her opinion on any given topic. She had a great sense of humor and a laugh that would illicit laughter from anyone around her. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She departed this life on March 23, 2025. Mrs. Roach was predeceased by husband Canute, mother Leonella (Richardson) Philibert, stepfather Aubrey Philibert, father Roland Clarke, brother Archbishop Edgerton Clarke, who performed her wedding ceremony, daughter Althea Mitchell Cody, sons Donald Mitchell and Michael Excell, grandsons Jelani Parkins, Anthony Simmons and her special 1st cousin Mildred Richardson. She is survived by one remaining daughter, Doreen Parkins (Larry), daughter in law Paula Mitchell, grandchildren; Kareem Parkins, Gyasi Parkins (Sherlly), Najwa Parkins, Jabari Hill, Michelle Gilchrist (caregiver), Tashiba Excell, Kwesi Mitchell, Khary Mitchell, Kim Simmons, great grandchildren; Asha, Safiya, Tahir, Talya, Lyric, Hakim, Tiamber, Rainyn, Issa, Sage, Amir, Asani, Destinee, Jada, Katiana and Jacob, 1 great, great granddaughter, Leith and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. Funeral Services were held Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Triumphant Community Church, 160 Churchill Ave, Somerset, NJ 08873 followed by interment at Franklin Memorial Park, 1800 Rte. 27, North Brunswick, NJ. Repast was held at The Community Senior Center, 505 Demott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873.

Hyacinth Roach

September 1, 1922 - March 23, 2025