Rosemary Joyce Lands

Rosemary Joyce Lands, 79, of Matthews, N.C., passed away peacefully in Aldersgate Hospice on March 21, 2025 in the presence of her sisters. She was born November 13, 1945 in Spartanburg, South Carolina to the late Loyd Lands and Hazel Lands.

She graduated East Mecklenburg High School, attended Methodist University where she received her BA, majoring in Christian education and received her Master's at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Library science.

She worked as a Christian educator for several Charlotte area churches. In the early seventies she worked at the Charlotte Main library. In 1995 Charlotte Mecklenburg Library was named "National Library of the Year " by the American Library Association. Rosemary was named librarian of the year at that time. Also, in 1995 Rosemary was interviewed by a reporter about her involvement with the Billy Graham crusade.

Rosemary worked in the Carolina room of the Main library. Rosemary was instrumental in organizing and leading geneology workshops for the library.

Rosemary is survived by her sisters Judy Reeves of Matthews, N. C., Jill Rice of Dallas, N. C. and Dorothy Bowling (Kirby Bowling) of Virginia Beach. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her nephew Chris Reeves.

She was an avid reader, enjoyed chess and played violin for the Charlotte Junior Symphony orchestra.

She liked to travel and visited Ireland twice. She enjoyed knitting, was a dedicated educator and church volunteer. When her father was no longer able to continue teaching his adult Sunday school class, Rosemary stepped in and taught for many years.

Her love, kindness, Christian spirit and sense of humor will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Stallings Methodist church. Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 followed by the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stallings Methodist church.