By Staff
Mrs. Iberia Roach Tunnell, 86, of 809 Main St., Swan Quarter, died Friday evening, March 14, 2003 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville.
Born in Rutherford County, March 5, 1917, she was the daughter of the late James and Mary Green Roach. She was a graduate of East Carolina Teachers' College, now ECU, and began her work in Nash County with Extension Service. She moved to Hyde County in 1941, where she pioneered the first Home Demonstration program in the county and shared responsibility in the 4-H program. She was married to Gilbert Bernard Tunnell, who preceded her in death on March 12, 1969. They operated a family farm, Tunnell Farms, in Hyde County, which she continued with following his death. Her devotion to hard work is displayed through the achievements of her accomplished 4-H'ers and extension club members. She was an active member of the Hyde County Historical and Genealogical Society for many years.
A faithful member of the Providence United Methodist Church, she served as secretary to the Administrative Council for many years and as secretary of the Memorial Committee. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Hyde County Chapter 213.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Providence United Methodist Church. Pastor Ken Davenport will officiate. Burial will follow in Soule Cemetery.
Surviving are two sons, Dr. Gil Tunnell and his partner, Robert Sloboda of New York City, and Alexander Dixon "Dick" Tunnell and his wife, Sandra H. of Swan Quarter; a daughter, Mary Helen T. Gaddy and her husband, DeWitt "Buddy" Gaddy Jr. of Merry Hill; a sister, Louise R. Cole of Rutherfordton; four grandchildren, Joe G. Gaddy, Josh A. Gaddy, Jamie V. Tunnell and David G. Tunnell; a great-grandson, Justin C. Gaddy.
Mrs. Tunnell was preceded in death by two brothers, Herman Roach and Jimmy Roach, and a sister, Kathleen Roach.
The family suggests that memorials be directed to Providence United Methodist Church, c/o Gary Cahoon, treasurer, 1094 Main St., Swan Quarter, NC 27885.
The family will receive friends at her home on Sunday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and the body will lie in state at Bryan Funeral Service until being moved to the church on Monday.
Paid Obituary