Iva Socia Roddy

Iva Socia Roddy, aged 78, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, February 5, 2023 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Iva was born in Star City, Arkansas March 6, 1944 to Alvin Benjamin (Sr) and Esther Ora Wilkinson Socia. Being from a rather large family, Iva was one of 21 children and was one of seven remaining children still living today.

Iva was a Teacher's Aid for the Little Rock School District for many years. She loved her job and loved the children that she had the opportunity to serve, even keeping in touch with some of her former students until shortly before her passing.

Iva's favorite holiday to celebrate, which brought her great joy, was Christmas. She was infamous for her extraordinarily large collection of decorations. During the holiday season, it invaded every room of her house, evening spilling out onto the lawn. Her life-sized nativity scene was a familiar sight anywhere she called home. Christmas-themed Gospel music could be heard playing through the house; she particularly enjoyed The Gaithers. Perhaps the most endearing reason of all was that the Christmas holiday reminded her of the greatest gift of all - her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Coming from a large family, Iva loved spending time with her family most of all. Some of her most favorite times were having her children and their families over to her house anytime she could. In turn, Iva had the blessing of having, what ended up being, a large family of her own through her children and grandchildren.

Iva is preceded in death by her parents, Alvin B. Sr and Esther Ora Wilkinson Socia and husband Jerry A. Roddy. Brothers Alton Socia, Havis Socia, Horace "Shorty" Socia, Edward Socia, Willie Socia, Odis Socia, Garland Socia, Milton B. Socia, Infant Son of Maggie L. Socia, Albert "Boots" Socia, and Ray Socia. Sisters Esther Mae Manes, Bennie Jean King and Irma Nelson. She is survived by four sisters Velma McEntire (Willie) of Star City, Arkansas, Thelma Reynolds (Lamar) of Star City, Arkansas, Linda Shepherd (Richard) of Gould, Arkansas, Jan Martin (Ross) of Dumas, Arkansas and two brothers Alvin B. Socia, Jr of Oregon and James Socia of Little Rock, Arkansas. Children are Dale Bailey (Carla) of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Rebecca Wittenburg (Tony) of Little Rock, Arkansas and John Bailey (Elizabeth) of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Grandchildren are Gary Bailey (Celeste), Kendra Land (Jason), Patrick McFee (Jamilla), Ariana McFee, Bradley McMichael, Alisa McConnell , Cailen Whitney (Jordan), Bailee Trickler (Jeff), Chelsea Hill (Josh) and Presley Wittenburg (fiance Shane Vansickle). Great grandchildren are Kylie, Kavin, Kinsley and Keeley Land, Saphire and Donnie McFee, Emerson Whitney and Emma and Sophie Trickler.

Graveside services will be Thursday, February 9, 2023 at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Highway 5 North, Alexander, Arkansas. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas.

The family would like to thank our "extended family" of staff, aids and nurses of Colonel Glenn Health and Rehab in Little Rock for their love, care and compassion. We would also like to offer our gratitude to the staff and nurses of Genteva Hospice for their tender care. For all these healthcare professionals, we are eternally grateful.