Rose Lee Wade

Rose Lee Wade is the first of eight children, born to Paul Dorsey, Jr. and Hester Katherine Coleman Dorsey, July 20, 1945. Rose peacefully passed away in the comfort of her home, following a five-year battle with cancer. Rose accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord & Savior at a young age. For many years, she served as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In recent years, Rose found great peace and joy at Burnett Avenue Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Daniel Corrie Scholl. She faithfully served God, until He called her home, at 5:45 a.m., on December 20, 2018.

Rose Lee Wade is best known, as one of Louisville’s early pioneers of integration, during the civil rights movement. Rose became one of the first African American students to integrate Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, when her three room school, Benjamin Banneker Elementary closed, after the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education (1954) decision. With strong involvement of Rose’s parents in the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), she became a model student, in spite of ignorance and racial intolerance. The first day at Franklin Elementary left an indelible mark, as she pressed onward to integrate Barrett Middle School and Atherton High School. Rose played flute in the Atherton marching band, as one of the first African American musicians. Rose continued her education at Jefferson Community and Technical College, Campbellsville University, and attended numerous workshops, training sessions and professional development seminars at University of Louisville.

Rose’s career began, in 1971, and spanned 40 years in various clerical, data entry, executive administrative, business and accounting positions, most notably at Fort Knox, American Standard and KFC Corporation. Rose worked for 20-years, at University of Louisville and retired in 2011, as Unit Business Manager in the Counseling and Psychology Department. She was a member of The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). Beyond her profession, Rose had a passion for art. She had the privilege of taking art classes from renowned artist Alice Waddell Gatewood and Tammie Demessie. Rose also received tips and shared wonderful conversations with Houston artist Lloyd Dwain Choice, a student of famous artist and professor, John Biggers. Rose’s son, Stacey Ross Wade, also an artist, is her greatest muse. Stacey, is Founder and CEO of NIMBUS, a marketing and advertising firm, in Louisville, Kentucky.

On June 18, 1975, Rose married the love of her life, Lanney Ross Wade. Rose honored her commitment to God until death did they part, August 2, 2016. In this union, they shared three children: two daughters, and one son. The couple wanted to assure their children understood the importance of family. Rose would remind them, “Family is everything.” Rose was a very private person, who loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and beloved dog MAX. She prided herself in being a perfectionist, a fighter, excellent with budgeting, and a cheerful giver. For many years, Rose was a caregiver for her mother and husband. Both passed away in 2016. Some of the highlights of her life included taking memorable trips with family members. She took great pride in being present for her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. Rose had a different and unique relationship with each child and each grandchild. She had a way of making each one feel special.

Rose Lee Wade was preceded in death by her parents, Paul, Jr. and Hester Dorsey; her husband of 41 years, Lanney Ross Wade; one brother, Paul Dorsey, III; one brother-in-law, Major William Stevenson, and one nephew, William Joshua Stevenson. Rose leaves her legacy of two daughters; Loretta Young (Calvin); Kimberlee Michelle Cato Dorsey; and one son, Stacey Ross Wade (Dawn). Rose Lee Wade – her legacy to be continued…five grandchildren, Ryan Rasan Dorsey, Atlanta, Georgia; Shandi Lieko Dorsey, Louisville, Kentucky; Joshua Cameron Cato, Campbellsville, Kentucky; Khloe Reese Wade and Carter Ross Wade, Louisville, Kentucky; two great-grandchildren, Chase Anthony Dorsey and Makenzie Ryanne Dorsey, Atlanta, Georgia. Rose leaves to cherish her memories four sisters, Dr. Beverly Jane Dorsey Stevenson, Houston, Texas; twins – Jean Marbley and Jeanette White and Anola Marie Hampton (Kenneth), Louisville, Kentucky; and two brothers, Carl Robert Dorsey (Vickie), Poulsbo, Washington and Rodney Blaine Dorsey (Debbie), Fairmount, West Virginia. Rose also leaves to cherish her memories, five aunts: Pauline “Polly” Jane Brown, Waddy, Kentucky; Mary Elizabeth Beaumont, Louisville, Kentucky; Beatrice Eugene Foree, Cincinnati, Ohio, Cora Virginia McAlmont, Shelbyville, Kentucky and Frances Irene Smith (Howard), Eminence, Kentucky; and one uncle, Joseph Bernard Coleman, Shelbyville, Kentucky. Rose will be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Acknowledgments

The Wade Family wishes to sincerely thank Rose Lee Wade’s support team of family, friends, doctors and spiritual counselors for the many acts of kindness expressed through calls, text messages, flowers, visits, cards, financial support and food. The gift of your presence and love will forever be remembered. A special thanks to the wonderful medical staff at Norton’s Cancer Institute and caregivers, who loved and cared for our beloved “Momma Rose” at Hosparus Health and BrightStar Care, who sent us a special angel, Ruth. Thank you Dr. Beverly Stevenson for always being there for all of us. Carl Robert Dorsey, Rodney Blaine Dorsey and Vickie Dorsey, your long-distance calls and texts meant so much and will be remembered. Beatrice Foree, thank you for always being of service whenever needed. The Beaumont family, thank you for your consistent and unwavering love and support. Cousin Donnie Lewis we appreciate you for checking on Mom. Darryl, thank you for being a good neighbor! Thank you Joe Marshall for being a long-time friend and lawyer. Yvonne McCoy, Rev. Enrique Butler, Sr., Rev. Daniel Corrie Shull, and Tammie Demessie, thank you for your special prayers, visits, and warm displays of kindness shown to our family. Jomitra Coleman, your special cosmetology services are a gift and appreciated.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which Jehovah, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Visitation will be held at Evergreen Funeral Home, 4623 Preston Highway, Louisville, Kentucky on Sunday, December 23, 2018 from 3pm-7pm. Donations can be made at American Cancer Society www.cancer.org in the memory of Rose Lee Wade.