Rosa Virginia Gachet

Rosa Virginia McMillan Gachet, 95, a beloved figure of Portland, Oregon sadly left our world on July 6, 2025. Rosa, as she was affectionately known was born in Monroeville, Alabama on May 15, 1939, to the late Lazarus McMillan Sr. and late Mary (Crook) McMillan. She was the second child born to this union along with her now three deceased siblings Abraham Mc Millan, Daniel McMillan, and Lazarus V. Mc Millan Jr.

Rosa completed general studies at BIA formally Union High School in Monroeville, Al. Upon graduation, she relocated to Montgomery, Al where she married former spouse Jefferson Gachet Sr. of the US Air Forse. They traveled throughout the world and retired in Portland, Oregon.

Throughout her life, she worked in the laundry business while continuing her education at Portland Community College and later retired from Oregon Health Science University.

Rosa accepted Christ at a very early age at Bethany Baptist Church in Burnt Corn, Al. Rosa lived a life richly with service and kindness, she was an activist throughout the community and church. She is well-known for her dedication, commitment, and leadership roles at Vancouver Avenue Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church, and New Hope Baptist Church. Rosa enjoyed being an usher, chairing Pastor Aid Board, singing in the choir, and teaching BSF Bible Study Fellowship. She was a beacon of light and hope in the community, touching lives through various missionary roles, retreats, and encouraging words.

Rosa traveled extensively and met her soulmate John Mitchell Sr. who preceded her in death. They both traveled and cruised the world, known as “Platinum Cruisers”. Traveling the Mediterranean Sea, Europe, Panama Canal, Alaska, Virgin Islands, Mexico, Caribbean, and many places in the United States. The pair was unstoppable and love to travel abroad. Rosa leaves to celebrate her home-going, her son Jefferson Gachet Jr., (Dennis Gachet), Stepchildren - Jewel Raye Norman of Portland, OR, Pamela W. Mitchell of Jacksonville, FL, Barbara A. Mitchell of Camas, WA, Raymond Mitchell Sr. (Shelia), John D. Mitchell Jr. (Jane) of Portland, OR, Arthur Mitchell (Natalie) of Southlake, TX, and Gregory Mitchell of Oakland, CA. She has step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, step-great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.