Rosetta "Rose" King DeBerry

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Rosetta “Rose” K. DeBerry, our loving and devoted mother and friend to all whose lives she touched on, February 9, 2021. Rose was born of the late Walter and Annie Laura King, October 1, 1934, in Natchez Mississippi. Rose graduated from Tougaloo College with a BS in Elementary Education and Tennessee State University with an MA in Counseling. She was married to her adoring and loving husband, of 53 years Billy F. DeBerry. Rose and Billy met at Alabama State University where they both worked in student services. Rose was a counselor and Billy oversaw all student activities. They were recruited by Dr. Charlie Knight seeking minority teachers for the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD). After hearing her presentation, they decided to branch out and join MPUSD in 1969. Billy came as a counselor and Rose as a 5th grade teacher. She is survived by her children Michael D. Lewis (Jackson Mississippi), Cheryl Nelson (Las Vegas, Nevada), nieces, Vernadine Bradford (Natchez, Mississippi), June King (Baltimore, Maryland), Pam King (Virginia Beach, Virginia), sister-in-law Jessie King (Dallas, Texas). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Zachary Nelson, Matthew Nelson, Tyler (Ty) Nelson, Michael S. Lewis; and nine great-grandchildren.

Over a span of 53 years, Rose positively impacted thousands of children as an educator. She was a woman of unshakable conviction. She was a woman of integrity and honor. Rose was intelligent, she was kind, and she had a heart for children. She was a premier educator. She earned the respect of everyone who encountered her. Rose taught at La Mesa Elementary School in the same classroom for over 42 years where that classroom now, in her honor, carries her name. To this day many of her former students reach out to her to share their accomplishments and to tell her how she played such a huge role in their lives.

Rose was an accomplished pianist. Her gift was shared not only at schools where she taught by writing and putting on plays but at her beloved church, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church where she directed the 'Joyful Noise Choir' and played for mass. Rose often sang during mass with her rich, full, and velvet voice that carried her passion and love of God through the rafters and into the hearts of every parishioner who heard her sing. Her voice was a precious gift that she willingly and lovingly shared.

Rose had a vivacious personality, did not crave attention but was not afraid to lead because she was comfortable in her own skin. She had such a calming presence that she could make everyone feel safe, welcomed and that she genuinely cared. She made friends everywhere she went. Even as a little girl, Rose loved flowers and growing things. She became well known for her beautiful roses and her bountiful lemon trees that she grew and meticulously cared for. She was an avid reader and for many years leading up to her passing, she collected a large library of books on any number of topics.

Rose lived a full and warm life, filled with joy, happiness, adventure, and music. If she wanted us to learn anything from her life, she would say “be humble and kind”. She will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.