Esther Marjorie Rose

Esther Marjorie “Dolly” Rose, née Copeland, passed into the arms of Jesus on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. Esther was born on October 16, 1945, in Cedar Vale, Kansas, to Rev. Moses Copeland and Ruth (Gerber) Copeland. She and her brother, James, were reared by ministry parents and grew up in different areas around the Midwest. After graduating high school, Esther attended Evangel College and Central Bible College, both in Springfield, Missouri, and she also attended Kansas City Conservatory of Music. While she was in college, she met the love of her life, Douglas Raymond Rose. Esther and Doug were married on May 14, 1966, in Kansas City, Kansas, and they became proud parents of Richard Douglas Rose and Aimee Raeanne Rose Hosford and the proud grandparents of Avaree Rose (Hosford) Farrar, Brennan Alan Hosford, Baylor Augustin Hosford, Marlie Beth Rose, and Jackson Raymond Rose.

Esther and Doug were wonderful partners together in ministry, beginning in Beckley, West Virginia, as youth pastors where she acquired the nickname “Dolly.” They served as Assembly of God pastors in Sycamore, Illinois; in Kankakee, Illinois; in Bettendorf, Iowa; in Wichita, Kansas; and in Belleville, Illinois. Esther was a gifted musician and singer, a talent she shared with Doug in their ministry together. While in Belleville, she was a member of the Illinois District Assemblies of God Task Force during the Decade of Harvest. She was also awarded the “Woman of the Year” Award in Religion in St. Louis. After their time as pastors and in their semi-retirement years, they settled in Grand Prairie, Texas, where she taught at Bowie Elementary School (Grand Prairie). She also gave private piano lessons to students for over 20 years. She travelled in ministry with Doug overseas to share her dramatic readings of famous women of the Bible, including Queen Esther. She also ministered with the North Texas District Assemblies of God Women's Ministry in their mission trips to Mexico and Nicaragua. As a member of the Grand Prairie Summit Seniors, she was the first to present a religious drama at the opening of the Summit Theater. She was also an enthusiastic member of the National Red Hats Ladies Service Society. Over the years, she enjoyed keeping in touch with her many cousins (her “rellies” on her dad’s side) in New Zealand. Throughout her life, she had never met a stranger and extended her love to people wherever she was. She was a mighty prayer warrior and encourager. Next to her love for the Lord, she loved her family the most.

Esther is preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Moses Copeland and Ruth Copeland; her brother, James Copeland; and by her aunt, Esther Stewart, for whom she was named.

Esther is survived by her husband, Doug Rose; her son, Richard Rose and wife, Wendi; her daughter, Aimee (Rose) Hosford, and husband, Barry; her grandchildren, Avaree Rose (Hosford) Farrar, and husband, Dominic; Brennan Alan Hosford; Baylor Augustin Hosford; Marlie Beth Rose; and Jackson Raymond Rose; her sister-in-law, Marla Copeland, and family; and brother-in-law, David Rose, and family.

Flowers can be sent to Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home, 2951 S. Belt Line Road, Grand Prairie, TX 75052 – (972) 975-5000.

Memorial Donations can be sent to Abundant Life Church, P O Box 1367, Canadian, TX 79014 (where Esther’s daughter, Aimee, and son-in-love, Barry, are pastors). For secure online giving: abundantlifecanadian.org/give. Select “Anonymous Giving,” then select “one time giving” and, in the drop down menu, select “Memorials.”