Rosemary Jones

Rosemary Jones was born February 6, 1936 to the late Irene Juggins Jones and Bynum Jones in Vaux Hall, New Jersey. She is affectionately known by all as “Miss Rose”. She was the third child of four siblings, of which all predeceased her, Marilyn Jones, Loretta Lewis, and Bynum Jones, Jr. Rose, a beacon of love, laughter, and unwavering strength, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 28, 2024. She departed this world, leaving behind a trail of cherished memories and a legacy that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her. She embraced life finding joy in the simplest of moments and spreading warmth wherever she went. Rose was educated in the Union County Public School System and went to Jefferson Elementary School. She graduated from Union High School in 1954. She played softball and basketball as much as she could in high school After graduation, she worked as a Food Worker delivering food to the patients in Overlook Hospital. From there, she went to work for Burry Biscuits in Elizabeth, where she retired early after 17 years of working on the assembly lines. She met many of her lifelong friends at Burry Biscuits. Her pantry was always stocked with cookies, plenty to share with the neighborhood. Rose was a community member of the South Seventh Street Block Association, alongside the Pearce and Loftin families. She facilitated and helped organize many annual summer bus trips, summer lunch programs, and annual block parties for the children and families on our block. Our block was a community of love, shared parenting, family, and tons of support for one another. This love of community from and for Rose spilled over and poured out into the city of Newark. Rose's home on South 7th Street was more than just a house; more than 50 years, it was a sanctuary of love and laughter where everyone was welcome, and no one left hungry. Her kitchen table witnessed countless stories and her door was always open to those in need. Rose worked for the Roseville Deli and Laundromat for five years before going to work for Mr. Cooper at the iconic Cooper’s Liquors & Deli. She was a blessing to the store and to her community of Orange Street and Roseville Avenue. The Pandemic of 2020 forced Rose to “officially” retire after working for Mr. Cooper for 32 years. “Miss Rose” was a celebrity in the Deli and an icon throughout;

everyone knew her. Family would travel all across the United States and folks would recognize her from the lady at Cooper’s. Her work ethic, well let’s just say, it was better than the mailman. Her love and compassion for people, her level of customer service and service with a smile attitude, set the bar high as she demanded respect at all times. Rose gave her life to Christ and joined Macedonia Baptist Church, in Vaux Hall, at the tender age of 13 under the late Rev. Jenkins. Later as an adult and after being recommended by one of her friends, she attended and joined Welcome Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Thomas C. King in 1965, and now serving under Bishop Elijah L. Williams, Jr. She has been an active member of this church serving for years as an usher, a piano player, as the secretary, and as a faithful member helping to raise funds for the youth department, the building fund, and for the ushers. She sang in the choir over the years (yes she did), but she would often say that she could not keep a tune to save her life. She raised money for the Usher board by hosting many bus trips to see Broadway and stage plays throughout the east coast. Everyone she came in contact with received an ink pen with a Godly message on it, from her coworkers in Coopers, to the nurses at the nursing home, to her friends in her senior building on Orange Street. “God Loves You!” Rose had a passion for travel and took her grandchildren on annual vacations to both Florida and Maryland. Her passion for travel began at a young age and blossomed as an adult traveling to Australia, Hawaii, South America, Mexico, and Europe. As an avid traveler, she loved cruising to the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Caribbean when she could, proving that life’s greatest treasures aren’t found in possessions but in shared experiences and laughter. She was a great humanitarian teaching everyone to always give of oneself. Reminding folks that it is better to give than to receive and to always pay your tithes, and then pay yourself first, because the bill collectors will aways be there. With her beautiful plants, her library of books, and a collection of gospel music, Rose ensured that her loved ones were nourished in mind and spirit. And let’s not forget her passion for football, where she cheered on her favorite teams with the fervor of a seasoned coach.

Preceded in death by her son, Peewee, and beloved Charles, Rose leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and unyielding love. She may have lost her battle with sickness, but her spirit soars on, forever a guiding light to those who were lucky enough to know her. She was more than just a mother to us; she was a mother to many; she was a confidante, a cheerleader, and a source of endless love and support. Her wisdom was as vast as her heart. In the words of Rose herself, “When God sends you a friend, you’ve got a good thing.” Rest easy, Mom, know that your legacy of love lives on in the hearts of all who knew you. Until we meet again, may your infectious smile and laughter echo though the halls of heaven.

Psalm 112

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help

cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Rose leaves to cherish her memory her children: Jeffrey Jones, Dorian Jones (predeceased) Roxanne White, Sheri Melvin. One daughter-in-law, Cheryl Jones and one son-in-law, Shawn Melvin. Five grandchildren, Khalil Jones, Sheri Branch (Darnell) , Lia Jones, Shawna Melvin, and Sherrod Melvin. Five great- grandchildren, Jaden, Elijah, Jordyn, London, Jazlene, and Zion (predeceased). One niece Vanessa Arrington, two nephews Avery Arrington and Glenn Lewis; and a host of many other beloved cousins and friends.