J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Rose, Mary Ellen Lewis

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Waverly, Virginia
Mary Ellen Lewis Rose, 84, of Waverly, the widow of Franklin W. Rose, died Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg. Born in Mt. Airy, NC, she was the daughter of the late William Green Lewis and Margaret Hatcher Lewis. She was predeceased by a sister, Margaret Kearney Bourne, and three brothers, Frank Lewis, Tom Lewis, and Ed Lewis.
Mary lived in Richmond and worked for the Internal Revenue Service and the American Tobacco Company, until she married Franklin W. Rose on December 5, 1953 and moved to Waverly. She was a member of the Waverly United Methodist Church and the Women’s Society of Christian Services (later known as the United Methodist Women) where she served as President from 1974 to 1976. She was a member of the Waverly Women’s Club and the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. She was also active in helping with the Carpenter Museum in Waverly. Mary was an avid bridge player.
Devoted to her family, Mary is survived by a son, William Franklin Rose and wife, Debbie, of Richmond; a daughter, Elizabeth Rose Morris and husband, Eddie, of Waverly; her beloved grandchildren (who called her “Ga-Ga”), Rebecca Morris Pope and husband Michael, Michael Edward Morris, Weatherly Barton Rose, and Bryson William Rose; and one brother, David Hatcher, of Mt. Airy NC; and several nieces and nephews. Mary was happily anticipating the birth of her first great-granddaughter, Virginia Madeline Pope.
The family will receive friends at the residence on Thursday night, April 2, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2009, at the Waverly United Methodist Church, with Rev. Connie Gibbs-Morris officiating. Burial will follow in Waverly Cemetery. Family and friends will gather for a reception at the home, following the burial.
Memorial donations may be made to the Waverly United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 12, Waverly, VA 23890 or the Waverly Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 583, Waverly, VA 23890. Purviance Chapel, J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Condolences may be posted at our web site, www.jtmorriss.com.

Morris Family, Rebbeca & Michael

I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one. She was a wonderful person who will greatly missedd. Regina and I will keep you in our prayers.

Brian & Regina Perkinson

Posted by: Brian Perkinson at April 8, 2009 11:55 PM

I'm so sorry to hear of this loss. I remember as well as my mom going to vist Mary Ellen. She had a gorgeous house, and cooked us a great meal. I loved the family bonding time to at the reunions. She will be missed, but is in a much better place I know. Until we meet again, we will always have her in our hearts.

Love y'all,
Kathleen Simmons

Posted by: Kathleen Simmons at April 3, 2009 07:34 PM

Dear Rose/Morris family,

I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of your mother. I know how difficult this must be for you. Mrs. Rose was such a kind, gentle person. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do to help, please give us a call.

Sincerely,
Glenn & Paige Grammer

Posted by: Glenn & Paige Grammer at April 3, 2009 01:49 PM

Dear Family:
I so wish I could be there. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Aunt Mary Ellen was so gracious and I remember she opened her home to me and my family when we visited from Mississippi. I also remember she came to MS and we toured Natchez and New Orleans. The Family Reunions will always be special when Mary Ellen was there. We shall truly miss her and I know that you have many wonderful memories of your mother and grandmother.
Love,
Linda Kearney Simmons & Family

Posted by: Linda Simmons at April 3, 2009 10:45 AM

Dear Rose Family, I just watched the video and it brought back such sweet memories. I know you have those memories in your hearts and minds and that is what will help guide you through your loss. We loved Mary Ellen very much. The Rose family is so special to us and we are praying for you all.
Much love,
Carolyn, Mike, Anna, and Paige

Posted by: Carolyn Ehrhardt Lynchard at April 2, 2009 08:54 PM

Rose Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Mary I only knew her well later in her life and what a hostess she was. You could hardly enter her house that she did not want to get you a drink and something to eat. Always remembered everybody's name; and all this on top of the many challenges she had. The best time I ever had with Mary was with Frank and Debbie and her wonderful neighbors around her kitchen table. We talked about current events told jokes and were just happy to be "at Mary's House" My condolences to all the family--you have really had a big loss.

Posted by: Donna Warthan at April 1, 2009 11:04 AM