Wanda Peterson

Roach

Wanda Peterson Roach, age 78, of Canton, passed away November 10, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family following a yearlong battle with cancer.

Wanda was a longtime, beloved Canton resident, successful realtor, dedicated mother, grandmother and friend, and a respected and active member of the community.

The loving wife of the late Judge C. Michael Roach, Wanda was born on January 5, 1948, in Lexington, South Carolina, the daughter of the late Howard and Sylvia Peterson.

Her family moved to Tucker where she attended Tucker High School and where she met her future husband. Following Mike’s graduation from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1974 the couple moved to Canton.

A longtime dedicated member of the Canton First Methodist Church, Wanda was active on numerous committees, and helped with efforts for the main sanctuary.

A graduate of Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in business, Wanda was a respected leader in real estate and the business community in Cherokee County.

She became a licensed real estate agent in 1989 and joined Century 21 Max Stancil Realty. In 2016 she joined ERA Sunrise Realty where she worked until her passing.

Wanda served for decades on the Cherokee Association of Realtors board of directors and as an officer. She served as president in 1994 and 2006, as well as served as president-elect and treasurer. She was awarded the President’s Award in 2012 and awarded several top achievement honors.

In 1999, Wanda helped organize Cherokee Bank in Canton. Serving on the Board of Directors, she guided the bank institution through the Great Recession, establishing it as the county’s last surviving community bank. She continued that steady leadership until facilitating its successful merger in 2015.

Wanda was an honorary member of the Service League of Cherokee County. During her ten years of active membership, she served as president and in most officer positions. She chaired the committee to publish the “League Legacy” cookbook to celebrate the League’s 50th anniversary in 1985.

Wanda loved her community and was involved in committees and numerous efforts to make the city of Canton and Cherokee County a better place to live. She served as president of the Canton Downtown Development Authority and was a member of the Cherokee County Development Authority.

Wanda was also an active member and supporter of History Cherokee and the Cherokee County Historical Society, a past officer of the Cherokee County Arts Council, and a graduate of Leadership Cherokee.

Wanda’s greatest legacy wasn’t what she accomplished, but how deeply she loved. Her family was her greatest pride and joy and the center of her world. She loved fiercely and wholeheartedly, and that same love extended beyond her family to the many friends and members of her community. Wanda was known throughout Cherokee County for her warm, kind, and caring spirit and for her willingness to help others. Her many friendships were a testament to her graciousness, generosity, and genuine love for people. She leaves behind countless memories of unconditional love, kindness, and devotion in the hearts of her family and friends. Love will be her most enduring legacy.

Those who survive Wanda include her son and daughter-in-law, Bryan Roach and Janet Roach, daughter and son-in-law Tracy Roach Sparks and Wesley Sparks, and grandson Michael Roach.

Funeral services are Monday, November 16, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Canton First Methodist Church. Interment follows at Cherokee Memorial Park. The Rev. Kenny Ott and Dr. C.R. Hill are officiating. Visitation will be held at Darby Funeral Home Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 1 to 6 p.m.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Wanda Peterson Roach.