Beatrice Marie (Lewis) Roraback

Beatrice Marie Lewis Roraback, of Fayetteville and Hope Mills, passed away Thursday, March 16th at the age of 82. Beatrice touched everyone with a Godly and unconditional love.

Born in Astoria, New York, she first came to Fayetteville, North Carolina as the young bride of her true love and soulmate CSM (Ret.) George D. Roraback, Jr.  They lived and raised a family together for 57 years with their children: Billy (Doti) Roraback of Memphis, TN, Donna Roraback of Hope Mills, Cindi (Gregg) Pettigrew of Goldsboro, and Leslie (Jonathan) Flom of Fayetteville. Bea is survived by her four children, ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. “Mama Bea” was also a loving and welcoming adopted mother to many of our friends and family to whom she gave selflessly her open arms, encouraging words, a supportive home environment, or just an extra hug or ten. Beatrice is preceded in death by her husband George, her mother and father, Enid and Fred, and her two brothers, William and John “Jack” Lewis.

Professionally, she cared for many young babies at Kiddie Castle Daycare, followed by a long career as a Seamstress and Bernina Sewing Specialist at Crafts, Frames, and Things of Fayetteville.

Beatrice was very active in her church and community, serving as a crisis counselor with Contact Telephone Ministry and as an AIDS Rights activist and member of the Board of Directors of the Dogwood HIV/AIDS Consortium. She developed her personal faith as a founding member of St. Paul’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church, raising her voice in song as a soprano soloist and member of the choir, a Sunday school teacher, altar guild member, and member of the Vestry. She strengthened her faith as an active member of the Diocese of East Carolina’s Cursillo in Christianity movement. She truly believed and lived the motto, “Make a Friend, Be a Friend, Bring a Friend to Christ.”

Her final chapter saw Beatrice as a vibrant member of the Carillon Assisted Living community where she was known as the “Orchid Doctor,” teaching classes about orchids and giving these delicate flowers her gentle and nourishing touch while sharing their beautiful blooms with those around her.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at St. Paul’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church, 1800 St. Paul Avenue, Fayetteville, with the Very Rev. John Thomas Frazier officiating. Interment will follow in the church Memorial Garden. The family will receive friends after the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church.

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