Annabell N Grose

Annabell Naomi Grose, affectionately known as “Cherry” to her family and friends, was born on July 12, 1932, in Lodge, St. Ann, Jamaica, to Thaddeus and Iris Willis. She was the fourth of twelve children and graduated from Oberlin High School in Lawrence Tavern, St. Andrew, Jamaica.

Cherry married her husband, Resley, and emigrated to the United States in 1961. After initially settling in Wisconsin, she moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1962. The following year, she and Resley purchased their first home. Cherry worked as a full-charge bookkeeper for several years while also becoming an active member of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn. There, she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school.

Her commitment to education remained a lifelong passion. While raising her family and working, Cherry attended Brooklyn College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master’s degree in Mathematics in 1979. She subsequently taught for the New York City Department of Education for several years.

In 1986, Cherry and Resley relocated to Port Charlotte, Florida, where she continued to pursue a variety of interests and career opportunities. She worked in real estate, as a Certified Nursing Assistant, and briefly as a teacher for Charlotte County Public Schools. Never one to stop learning, she returned to school and earned another Master’s degree, in Education, from Florida State University. She went on to become a Special Education teacher with the Florida Department of Corrections, where she dedicated herself to encouraging and helping incarcerated youth complete their high school education.

After retiring from the Department of Corrections (DOC), she became a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for children who had experienced abuse and neglect within the dependency system. She especially cherished this role, as it allowed her to be a voice for vulnerable children and help protect those who needed someone to stand up for them. She believed in the importance of education and the opportunities it could provide, a value she instilled in her children and grandchildren.

Cherry was a devoted member of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Englewood, Florida, beginning in 1986. She sang in the church choir and faithfully attended services every week until her health began to decline.

Family was always at the heart of Cherry’s life. She dearly loved her grandchildren and made it a point to be present for their extracurricular activities, whether attending sporting events or joining them on college road trips. Her love and support was constant, and she took great pride in being a part of their lives.

Cherry lived an abundant and fulfilling life. She traveled throughout the world, enjoyed entertaining family and friends, and loved to sing and dance. She appreciated the simple pleasures in life, including occasionally enjoying a nice glass of Bailey’s. Her warmth, enthusiasm, love of learning, and zest for life left a meaningful impression on those fortunate enough to know her.

Cherry was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Resley Grose; and her siblings, Ethel Hall, Eugenie Edmonds, Valentine Willis, Ivanhoe Willis, Beverly Willis, and Errol Willis.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Michael Chong, Althea Connor, and Lawrence (Diamerys) Grose; her grandchildren, Angelica Connor and Jared Connor; her siblings, Cynthia Katz, Gloria Gregory, Yvonne Watson-Smith, Carlton (Dearis) Willis, and Carrol (Steven) Andrews. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Cherry's life was defined by family, faith, education, service, and a love of living. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be held at Gulf Pines Memorial Park, 2401 Englewood Rd, Englewood, FL 34223, US, on November 12, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

A Funeral Service will take place at St David's Episcopal Church, 401 S Broadway, Englewood, FL 34223, US, on November 12, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Kays-Ponger, Uselton & Lemon Bay Funeral Homes, 1935 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293, US, on November 12, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider other expressions of sympathy.