Mavis Louise Rose

Born in Westmoreland, Jamaica, on February 5th, 1930, Mrs. Rose spent her early years surrounded by the lush beauty and vibrant culture of her homeland. Determined to make a difference, she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse, traveling to London, England, to complete her studies. In 1957, Mavis obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing with a concentration in Midwifery. She then started work as a nurse in a Philadelphia, PA .hospital in the U.S, where she was the first black nurse ever to work as a midwife in that hospital. In 1958, Mavis returned to Jamaica where she embarked on a fulfilling career as a nurse, dedicated to the care and wellbeing of her patients.

When she went home, Mavis also married her childhood sweetheart, Dexter Lanta Rose, on June 14,1958. Mavis found love and companionship in her marriage of 51 years to her Dexter. She also enjoyed a profound life of faith as a member of Coke Methodist Church, where her husband was the choir director.

She and Dexter had four children, Shuan, Gavin, Charles and Theda. Mavis loved to spend time with her family and to entertain! Many weekends her house -13 Sunrise Drive- was a hub of hospitality, filled with laughter, storytelling, and game playing, where family members and friends came from far and wide to visit with her and share in family celebrations.

An avid gardener, her home was surrounded by colorful flowers, foliage plants, and fruit trees, such as mango, breadfruit and avocado.

Later in life, seeking new opportunities and adventures, Mavis emigrated with her family to the United States where she continued to thrive and inspire those around her with her resilience and an unwavering spirit. She was known and beloved for her thoughtfulness and kindness to those in need of help. In particular, she helped many people find a job.

A news maven, Mavis stayed abreast of current events well into her 80s. She always spoke her mind. She had a sharp sense of humor and peppered her speech with pithy sayings, often remembered from her school days. One did not have to be around Mavis long before you learned that “there are four things that come not back, the spoken word, the sped arrow, the past life, and the neglected opportunity”. You also learned that while their companions slept, great men “were toiling upward through the night.” And lastly, all her kids were regularly reminded not to bring home any "fly by night kiss a pass" people for her to meet.

Her legacy is carried forward by the children Mavis and Dexter nurtured, and her two grandchildren, Aiden and Evan, who will forever cherish her memory.

A testament to dedication, love, and the pursuit of one’s dreams, Mavis will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

A home going service for family and friends will be held on March 1, 2025, in Palm Bay, Florida to celebrate Mrs. Mavis Louise Rose's extraordinary life.