Joan Marie Long Litz, 84, of Roanoke, died Tuesday, July 12, 2016, surrounded by the love and support of her family.

She was born in Bluefield, WV, the only daughter of the late Leo and Emily Long. She moved to Roanoke in 1968, when her late husband of 40 years, James Frederick Litz was transferred with the Norfolk and Western Railway.

Joan was a clinical laboratory science professional who remained active in the medical field until 2013. She was a member of the Star Valley and Federated Womens Clubs of Roanoke, as well as several local bridge groups. She volunteered for many charitable causes over the years. She was recognized with a national award in 1976 for her achievements in local historic preservation and recycling efforts on behalf of the Roanoke Chapter of the Federated Senior and Junior Womens Clubs of North America. She was a member of Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church.

She is survived by her children, Sharon Litz of Roanoke, and Eric Litz of Salem; grandchildren, Matthew Litz and Kaitlin Litz of Salem; friend and former daughter-in-law, Lisa Litz of Roanoke; nieces, Jane Walthall of Princeton, WV, and Carolyn Mathena of Wytheville, VA; nephews, Bob Walthall of Princeton, WV, Jeb Braford of Monticello, IA, Richard Braford of Roanoke and Joseph Braford of Palmyra, VA.

Services will be held at 2PM, Saturday, July 16, 2016 at the Chapel of John M. Oakey & Son, Salem. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Lehman will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 PM, Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.