THE LEGEND OF LUCY ALMA WILLIAMS ROSE
September 13, l897-February 25, 1987
Her parents were John Taylor Williams and Martha Francis Lucas. Her daddy was a Primitive Baptist Minister. He served churches in Nash County, N.C., Rocky Mount City, and Wilson Counry. One of her sisters two sons became musicians and one married Cher. Her parents had ten children. She was the one that her daddy depended upon doing the cooking and running errors. She would go to Rocky Mount on a horse and Buggy. That being said she lived to see the USA go to the moon. Her daddy being a Primitive Baptist Minister: If you did not attend as a member they would kick you out. With all the children she would not be able to atten
Of course she did not have the furniture that we have today. The older sibling had card board boxes to put&iffothes in. Basically there were the basic things like beds, chairs, kitchen table, and stove. The stove which had a reservoir to heat water for bathing and washing clothes. The water was drawn from a w-qll. On Monday's it was the normal wash day. Can your imagine washing sheets, dungarees, and other clothes squeezing them out with your hands from a large wash pot outside on a wash board? What about all the ironing.. The irons were black iron and heated on the stove. By the way, the house heat was fire places only. And each spring she would disinfect all the bed springs. What about no electric or commodes. Sometimes she would be in the kitchen and say, "I just don't know what to cook". I can see her precious hands at work and soon a meal was on the table. She had eight to finish High School, one graduated from college, one had a two year college education, and one had one year of college. Another accomplishments is that all thirteen accepted the Lord Jesus the Christ as their Savior. There were five sons in the military. One was wounded in taking the capital of Germany. She received a telegram just stating that he had been wounded. She did not know where or hov', serious. This was the second time that I saw her cry. The other was when her mother passed. Because the boys at home were so small she went to see Harold Cooley, the congressman,, to get her sons out. You see their chins just could reach the cross bar of the plow. Her personality was humble, quiet, and very pleasant. When the storm }{azel came through, mom was in Rocky. On her way home when she began to see the damage the storm caused. There was a large piece of iron that had tried to be moved but without success. She did not know if her children were safe or not. (They were) She could not afford to buy the school lunch. She would include tea cakes for our dessert. Occasionally she would put chocolate icing on the top. When we came home for our snack we would take a biscuit and put a hole in the top with our finger and pour Molasses in it. It was so good. Being the only parent she had the role of both. This means teaching the boys how to plow Farming for her also meant getting up early fixing breakfast, cooking lunch, going to the garden to pick vegetables for the next day. Then being at the tobacco shelter when the first truck came. At the end of the day back to the garden. At this time there was canning to be done for the winter months.
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During her sickness a schedule was fixed for us. The Doctors and nurses were so impressed of the family working together. One of the siblings was at pestern Sizzlin'one day and a lady from Red Oak stated she had 2 in her family and they could not get aiong. We all met on Easter, Mothers Day, and Christmas. We met at the Historic Red Oak Club House until it got too small. We were thankful that all the in-laws came with their spouses. All eyes have been on her and all her children. People say "I know that you are a Rose but which one are you. At this time, April, 2022, there have been seven deaths ranging from seventy four to ninety seven. There are six living now from ages eighty five to ninety five. You see, God has blessed this family beyond measure. This will include stories of how all the accomplishments have been done thru Jesus the Christ. Part 1l Part 11 will include the accomplishments of all her children. 1. Mildred Christine Rose Pierce - Oct. 29, 1920 - March 3" 2A16 She was the switch board operator for Belk Tyler until retirement. Upon visiting where I was born she shared that her and her husband stole a kiss behind the well. 2. MetaAlma Rose Clarida (twin) - Feb. 13,lg22 - March 17-2010 She sent a liule money back to her each month after her marriage She also bought Santa Clause for us. Dolls for the girls. One bicycle for the boys. One basket ball goal for the boys. Mom bought the fruits and nuts. All of us sat in a circle around the heater and enjoyed the cold oranges and tangerines that had been stored in a cold closet. 3. Media Junior Rose (twin) - Feb. 13,1922 - Feb. 10,1994 He was in World War 11 - After the war he became a salesman for Heilig Meyers
8. Eddie Doris Rose Griffin - Dec. 4,1928 - 03-09-2014
She worked in a sewing factory before going to with Abbots Labs. She also was an excellent seamstress. She sewed for the community and family. Prom dresses and wedding dress were not problem for her. She also played basketball. Upon retirement she worked with her sons in the food and gas stores. 9. Helen Beryle Rose Jones - Feb. 2,1930 - Jan. 13,2021 She was a compassionate help mate. Her marriage was one of devotion and love that is an example for all. She helped her husband at all times included helping with repair of well waters, pulling wires under the house for heating and cooling, working in the yard, When her husband was called on a job she was right there to help him. She player basket ball and was co-captain for 2 years. 10. A J Rose - 06-07-1931 - (still living at this time - April. 2A22 He also was in the Korean Conflict, He also was a good basket ball and baseball player. His accomplishment were written up in the newspaper. There were so many. He played for ECU. He was an Assistant Principle in Greensboro. HefVocational Educational Director of all Guilford Counfy Schools I 1. Eugene Wlson Rose, Sr. - 10-01- 1932 (still living at this time - 412022) He was in the Korean conflict. He also was a great basket ball and baseball player. He was an Insurance Adjuster. Also was always will to help family members and others when the need would arise 12. Ronald Derwood Rose - 02-27-1934 - Still living at this time. (April 2022) He was in the Korean conflict. He worked for the Post Office. He was jack-of-all trades. He had worked as an electrician before. When he retired the Postmaster said that a lot of information just walked out the door. He was avery valuable employee. 13. PatriciaAnn Rose Varnell -07-10-1935- (still living at the time) She wirs a bookkeeper until leaving to become a full time farmers life. Mr. Bill Ennis was a math teacher at Red Oak High School. He gave the class a problem then he asked the class for the answer. All of the class answers were high. He called on Ann and she responded that hers was nothing like theirs. He wanted to know what hers was. He said hers was right. She really enjoys figures. This has been a tremendous help being a farmers wife. As a farmers wife she worked in the fields with three small children. After finishing the day came the house chores. Cooking, cleaning, washing and getting the three boyp ready for bed. She also rnade the boys clothes. She was a great basket ball player. She was voted as the best basket ball player in Nash County. 14. Joyce Louise Rose Ellis - 04-28-1937 (still living at the time (Aprll,2022) After marriage she move to South Carolina where her husband was in the navy. She got A job at the Medical College Hospital as receptionist. Then move to cashier. Another move to Insurance Clerk all within fifteen months. As secretary she worked for the Nash County Board of Education, and at the First Baptist Church. Because of her moms sickness she quick to help the family out. During this time she work as a Kelly Girl. After this she retired from the Rocky Mount Housing Authority. During all this time she was very active in church work. She was introduced to the flannel board. The flannel board was where you could put pictures on it. The pictures had a backing that would stick to the flannel. The person would be able to see and hear the story at the same time. There was a TV show called "have gun will travel" and I said I have the flannel board and will travel. Still sharing when asked. A video was produced sharing the Bible from beginning to end on the flannel board. This is good for sharing with the lost. It is for all ages from five years of age to the oldest adult. You can see it on your iphone but be sure it is charging because it last about forty minutes. Go to you tube: type in "GOD Tfm FATHER, GOD Tfm, SON, GOD TFIE HOLY SPIRIT and you will see Kim Tilghman's name on the side. There is a story behind this story. A Newsletter to all siblings was sent once a month to share the updates of each family. This produced unity. Also the historian. y' You see not only was she such a special lady she taught all her children to do the same. All of them accepted the Lord Jesus the Christ as their Savior. What a record. Compiled by Joyce Rose Ellis |
Upon tobacco season she would put on her coveralls and head to the plant bed to pull tobacco plants. Then came getting the tobacco ready for market. She worked endless hours grading. At that time each leaf was touched to see which pile it would go in. The tobacco tying was next then to the market. Bqfore all this could be done it needed to be put in a pit to moisten Because it was so dry. At the first selling of tobacco Mom would always go to Belk Tyler's to buy our school clothes for the year. The president of Planters Bank was Mr. Braswell and he called Belk Tyler and ask them to assign a clerk in each department for her and not give her a bill until she finished shopping. Mom did not know what to think but it happened. What a surprise that the President of a bank recognized her situation. She was also in charge of kills hogs for meat during the winter months. One day she was with her daughter having a baby and another daughter was at home and was very sick. She turned around and went to the Hospital not taking time to eat. When she arrived at the hospital the Doctor started scolding her. Then he started to leave so mom grabbed him by the coat tail and told him to wait just a minute. You said you part now let me say mine She told him where she had been and he apologized to her. She not only takes up for her children but also defends herself. Another example was during the time in Raleigh. Dr. Lawrence was the owner of the farm. He wouid give her orders and turn around with the starched white flying coat in the air upon leaving. One day mom grabbed his white starched coattail and said, o'Dr. Lawrence I have something to say". He said, "Yes mama Mrs. Rose". Afler that he always asked her if she had anything to ask him. One day the boys basketball team was in the final play offs. All five of the starters got sick. Mr. Bill Ennis carried them to Moms. She shared with him what was needed and he got it" She cooked steak, rubbed the boys down with limit, gave lhem an egg nod toddy, put them to bed, and cut out the light. That night they won and Mr. Ennis said Mrs. Rose won the game. Go and get her. She had 7 children to play basketball. (One played at ECU) She was a great homemaker, she was asked about politics, she was a grade mother, also, a chaperon to the FHA, and involved in all school functions. 2yYou see not only was she such a special lady she taught all her children to do the same. All of them accepted the Lord Jesus the Christ as their Savior. What a record
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