Rose P. Garvey

Daughter of Jack Raymond Potter and Chacy Gillespie Potter, Rose was born in Winston-Salem, NC. She grew up in the Ardmore neighborhood of Winston-Salem with her two sisters; Nancy Potter San Philippo (deceased) and Jacqueline Potter Warner of Raleigh NC. Rose maintained lifelong friendships from the Ardmore neighborhood, including her future husband, Dr. Alfred Hamilton Garvey (deceased). Rose is survived by her daughter, Susan Garvey Seaton (Jeff); sons Jack Hamilton Garvey (Annette), James Potter Garvey (Louisa), and Alfred Hamilton Garvey Jr. (Carole). She had ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was called Rose by everyone.

Alfred and Rose graduated from Reynolds High School. Rose went on to St. Mary's Junior College and then attended Women's College where she earned a teaching degree. Rose and Alfred married at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem and started a family.

While Alfred was in medical school, Rose supported the family by teaching at an elementary school in Clemmons NC. She reminded all her family of this short lived career frequently over the years lest anyone judge her as having a "charmed life".

She was a charter member of St Francis Episcopal Church where she had many friends. She was the last to leave the coffee social after church much to the frustration of her children in waiting. Rose was an honest and intelligent woman who expected much from her family but who was caring to them as they experienced growing pains along their life journeys. She was quick to correct grammar of family and friends (and strangers) and was not shy about expressing her opinion. Her greatest asset was her friendly and attractive personality which she displayed with an infectious sense of humor. She taught her children important life lessons including humility, decency, good citizenry, and duty.

Rose had many friends and interests, and an active social life. She played bridge regularly with good friends at their homes on a rotating basis, and those friendships flowed through to her children as they developed friends growing up.

Her greatest passion was playing golf. Rose spent an adult lifetime playing golf at the Greensboro Country Club and playing regularly at other clubs across the state in member/guest events, including her favorite venue, the Linville Country Club Member/Guest. She even played at the Augusta National Golf Club where there were no "lady" tee boxes as she loved to point out. One of her great moments in golf which has been retold for years, was a remark from golf legend, Lee Trevino who witnessed Rose hitting a drive at GCC; "Any woman who can hit a ball that far must have a messy kitchen". Some people do indeed believe Rose had a charmed life.

The family will soon have a private service at St. Francis Episcopal Church where her ashes will join those of her beloved Alfred in the Memorial Garden.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rose's name to St Francis Episcopal Church or AuthoraCare Collective (Hospice) at 2500 Summit Ave. Greensboro, NC 27405.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Garvey family.