Gladys Cooke Rose

Gladys Winnerfred Cooke Rose, 82, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, surrounded by family at her home in Raleigh, NC. A dedicated educator and cherished member of the community, Gladys will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Born on April 24, 1943, in Mount Olive, NC, to Eldridge and Delilah Cooke, Gladys developed a lifelong passion for learning that she carried into her career.

She graduated from East Carolina University with a BS Degree in Elementary Education, and a master’s degree in Education in 1980, and devoted over 30 years to teaching in the public school system, primarily at Warsaw Elementary in Warsaw, NC, and Swift Creek Elementary in Raleigh. Known for her warmth, patience, and engaging teaching style, she inspired countless students and colleagues throughout her career.

On April 9, 1966, Gladys married the love of her life, Harold. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising two children, Phillip and Lora. Their shared love of history and travel took them on many adventures across the globe, creating cherished memories from the historical sites of Europe and the Holy Land to the serene beaches of the Caribbean.

A highlight of her retirement was spending time at their condo in Myrtle Beach, where she loved hosting family and friends.

Gladys was a dedicated member of Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, where she was active in her Circle, the Seekers Sunday School class, and various committees.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, providing strength and community – and was the foundation of many devoted friendships. At home, she found joy in reading, baking, volunteering at Rex Hospital, and most importantly, spending time with her five grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Gladys is survived by her husband, Harold Rose; her sister, Anna Lee Crump; her brother, Graham Cooke (Olive); her son, Phillip Rose (Jennifer); her daughter, Lora McKinney (Marshall); five adoring grandchildren, Harrison Rose, Katherine Rose, Nicholas Rose, Jessica McKinney, Thomas McKinney, and a host of extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Erna Walker.

The Rose family wants to express gratitude and admiration to Duke Cancer Center Cary and Transitions LifeCare for the loving care provided to Gladys.

There will be a memorial service celebrating Gladys’ life on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 1 PM at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church located at 2209 Fairview Road, Raleigh, NC 27608. Immediately following the service there will be a visitation with the family.

The service will be streamed on hbumc.org/live.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Seekers Benevolent Fund, in care of Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, or to the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina at P.O. Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450-0127.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Rose family.