With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Rose Marie Washington, 81, widow of Wesley Washington, of Pineville, SC, who passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

LIFE STORY

Rose Marie Washington, affectionately known as "Rosa" was born on Tuesday, July 4, 1944, in Farmville, Virginia to the late Robert Lee and Irene Isabelle Allen. Rose departed her earthly life on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

She began her early formal education in the public schools of Farmville, Virginia. At the tender age of only 8 years, following the sudden passing of her father, Rose went to live with her older sister Beatrice (Bea) and her husband James (Gee). The young couple embraced Rose and loved her as their very own and she often boasted she never had to want for anything as they took very good care of her. She always loved the Lord, even in her youth. Upon her confession of faith, she was baptized into the Zion Hill Baptist Church family in Farmville, Virginia. In 1956, Rose relocated to Baltimore, Maryland with the family. She immediately enrolled in the Baltimore City Public Schools System where she completed her education.

Seeking a church home, Rose eventually joined the Paradise Baptist Church along with other family members. She loved Paradise where her mom once served as a church mother, the Allen sisters sang on the choir, and her older brother Vernell would often come to preach for revival. In her later years, Rose joined the Southern Baptist Church where she attended faithfully while also living in Baltimore. After growing into an adult, she entered the world of work and held employment at several places before embarking upon a career in food services with the Baltimore City Public Schools System. After her departure from the school system, she worked at a few other places within the city in food services. Working was a passion for the young mother who singlehandedly raised her four children, LeGrant (Chuckie), Ralph, Bridget (Pebbles), and Vincent.

Her children were her heart, and when challenged with a major life obstacle, they were her inspiration and she defied the odds by conquering the obstacle and anything else that got in her path. It was truly a mother's love. She extended that love when she opened her heart and her home to become not only grandmother but a second mother to her beloved grandchildren, Antonio and Kelley. They also became her world and she nurtured, cared, provided, and loved them just as she did her only surviving son, Vincent, until the end.

In 1989, Rose packed her bags once again, this time as an adult, and relocated with the love of her life, Wesley Washington, along with Antonio and Kelley. The family relocated to Pineville, South Carolina. In Pineville, Rose and Wesley would become husband and wife, continuing to make a home for the family where Rose's love made it blend beautifully. Her great grandson Qualik would later become a part of the family circle within the home and acquire the love and embrace as did the others. It was the zeal and zest of a woman who understood the importance of family and love required to sustain and maintain it that permitted Rose to extend herself generationally and she did it quite well. To God Be the Glory!

Rose continued in her faith and joined St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church where she gave her tithes faithfully and was right with the Lord. In addition, she again sought work outside of the home and continued her career path in food services and worked as long as she could before going into retirement. She loved her family vehemently and passionately.

Every weekend the family would gather, laugh, play music, eat tons of food and just enjoy each other's company and have fun. She loved to cook and especially loved the children in the family as well as children in the community. It was not unusual for Rose to travel to Baltimore at a moments notice during the passing of a loved one, for a wedding, family reunion, or just to be with her sisters and family whom she cherished.

Rose was a straightforward woman who said what she meant and meant what she said. She was always helping anyone she met who had a need. It did not matter whether it was an adult, child, animal or a stranger. She called to check on nearly everyone she knew each day, to help encourage, praying silently, especially to check on the sick and shut in. One of her phrases was to always start with saying, "Hello and then say, listen here, I was calling to……. lol! She was a woman who had a classy style about her, reminiscent of the era she evolved from. Her beautiful smile melted in your heart like sunshine on a rainy day. In addition to being a beautiful woman, her strong character shined through with great determination in everything she did with strength and discernment. She had courage in all her footsteps with a strong resilient resolve. She was loving, independent, caring, smart, and funny, oftentimes making you laugh until you cried. She was always giving you something to think about and when the phone call ended for that moment, you felt blessed from the encounter. She loved watching Westerns, Soap Operas and Lifetime movies. In her later years when she could not get around so well, she listened to sermons on television to start her day.

Preceding Rose in death, were her husband, Wesley Washington; sons, LeGrant (Chuckie) and Ralph, daughter, Bridget (Pebbles); grandsons, Kenny, Kevin, and Terrell; and siblings, Elizabeth, Mamie, Beatrice, Pearl, Vernell, James Henry, Raymond, Paul, Lawrence, and PW.

Sadly, Rose leaves to mourn her passing: her son, Vincent L. Allen (Dr. Catharine Allen); four grandchildren, Antonio Wilkins (Kia Wilkins), Kelley Slater, Tiffany Wilkins, and Jadien Washington; three great-grandchildren, Qualik Nelson, Trinity Wilkins, and Tywaun Wood; three sisters, Margaret L. Lyle and Adline V. Allen of Baltimore, Maryland and Emma J. Watson of Washington, D.C.; two sisters-in-law, Barbara and Sharon Washington of Baltimore, Maryland; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of St. Stephen, SC. 843-354-2292.