CAROL HEATON ROLL's Obituary
Mrs. Carol Roll, 96, of Sterling, VA passed away on Sunday, September 11th, at Loudoun INOVA Hospital. She was surrounded by family when she made her journey to heaven.
Carol was born on June 2, 1926 in Maryville, MO to Anna Nelson Heaton and Harold Cleon Heaton. She was the oldest of their three children. Carol moved to the Dallas area around 1932 where her curious, hard-working nature served her well academically. She graduated from Forest Avenue High School in 1944 with honors.
In August 1948, just six months after they met, Carol married Nelson Roll in a simple, in-home ceremony.
Carol’s unique combination of optimism, curiosity, and high energy made endeavors look easy, even when they weren’t. She willingly took on Cub Scout leadership and teaching Sunday school while raising her (and beloved Nelson’s) three kids (Douglas Roll, Nelson Roll, Jr., and Rebecca Roll) in Garland, TX.
Wall paper a bedroom? Refinish a piece of furniture? Lead Women’s Guild at church? Carol could do all those things with grace and grit. If something had to be redone or a problem arose, she would enthusiastically and quickly move to Plan B. She didn’t linger on the issue-there wasn’t time for that.
It was an exciting phase when she entered the workforce at 45. She attended trainings where she learned all she could about the Dallas area savings and loan business. Her long hours and dedication paid off: she became branch manager.
Upon retirement, Carol and Nelson had the chance to try new things . . . . Together they traveled to the former Yugoslavia, took ballroom dance lessons, and routinely went to the shooting range where Carol showed solid marksmanship.
After 51, years of marriage, Nelson left her for heaven in 2000. She was heartbroken and had to rethink life without him. Her busyness continued with participation in 71-Steppers Line Dance Group, Braille workshops, Ruth Circle at Bethel Lutheran Church (Dallas), and restaurant outings with the Kitchen Dodgers.
In 2007 she had a calling. She relocated to Centreville, VA to be close to her two granddaughters, Grace and Elise. They were the perfect trio- “Gaga” drove the girls-in-car-seats wherever they wanted to go. These outings with lots of conversation continued throughout Grace’s and Elise’s growing up years. Gaga frequently shared stories of her childhood during the Great Depression. The girls were fascinated and better off for learning about these hard times.
In her winter years, Carol’s curiosity about the Bible and God led to involvement in two bible studies, the Go-Go’s at Centreville Baptist Church and The Golden Girls group at Our Savior’s Way (Ashburn). She was thankful to have this time to learn more about Jesus.
Carol’s family is eternally grateful for the 96 years that she was with us.
Immediate survivors include her sons Douglas Roll and Nelson Roll, Jr. (wife Sheri) as well as her daughter Rebecca Roll LIttle (husband, James); and two grandchildren, Grace Little, and Elise LIttle.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carol’s name to the American Cancer Society or to Bethel Lutheran Church, 11211 Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75238.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, October 21, at 11:00 AM at Heritage Baptist Church, 21700 Shellhorn Road, Ashburn, VA. A light lunch gathering will follow at the on-site Heritage Cafe.
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