Jeanna Gaye (Giles) Rose

Jeanna Gaye (Giles) Rose, age 69, of Ahoskie, NC, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on July 23, 2023. Jeanna passed, and was proudly cared for, in the home of her daughter in Virginia Beach, Va. Jeanna was born on March 7, 1954, at Portsmouth Naval Hospital to the late James A. Giles and Edna “Gaye” Woolard. Jeanna excelled at many jobs in life, including hanging drywall, waitressing, bartending, and caregiving for all ages. Jeanna worked diligently to succeed in all roles, however her most remarkable role was that of a mother, always exampling unconditional love. Jeanna was admired for her unwavering strength, loving heart, and giving nature. Jeanna thrived on cooking, cleaning, and hosting family gatherings. Jeanna found great joy in music, and could shoot a mighty mean game of pool.

In addition to her parents, Jeanna was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 22 years, Jeffrey C. Rose, and her beloved brothers, Jim and Shane.

Jeanna leaves to honor her memory five adoring children, James Crawford (MaryBeth), Lori Crawford, April Pierce, Kari Tibbits (Kenny), and Meagan Parker (Dustin); two stepchildren, Holt Rose (Kelsey), and O'Anna Rose; brother John Giles (Mickey), step-mother Joyce Giles, step-sister Laura Frank (Billy); twelve grandchildren, Michael F., Michael T., Hailey, Haley, Kyla, Kayla, Hannah, Amber, Kaitlyn, Sean, Greyson, and Avery; two great-grandchildren, CeCe and Athena; and Godchild, Skylar.

A memorial service to honor Jeanna will be held at 2 pm on Friday, August 11, 2023, at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of Jeanna's beloved charities- Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude, or Toys for Tots.

The family would also like to thank Amedisys Hospice, again, for the excellent care they helped provide to Jeanna in her final days.

Eulogy on August 11, 2023

"Our mother, Our lighthouse" by Kari Tibbits

Our mother was by far the strongest woman that most here today have ever known. Her soul was purposeful. Her heart was selfless. Within her heart, she created a circle, formed and strengthened by her many different layers of unfadable, and unconditional love. Her circle was designed purposefully to protect and to hold many people, just like all the small houses, that she turned into homes. She was known for her ability to always make room. She'd jokingly say "There's plenty of room, some kids may have to hang from nails, but I can always make room." Her home and her heart were always wide open. She invited every friend, every family member, even many strangers, into her safe circle. In her circle of so many, she always provided much; comfort and kindness, love and protection, a wise voice of reason, a safe place to fall, and every bit of inspiration needed-to pick ourselves back up. BECAUSE she kept us all in that safe circle, BECAUSE she carried us all on her very strong shoulders; we have all been propelled, forward and right here, honoring today, every memory we hold dear, and the treasure she'll always be.

Our mother, before ever a mom, was her daddy's "princess" and a Godwink to her mother. She astounded many others at a very young age with her mature wisdom, and kind responsible nature. Some elders remembered her as being smart and sassy. Others said, with great respect, that she was "Born a very old soul."

Our mother was perfectly imperfect. As many lessons were learned, through stern discipline and from our own mistakes, we also learned from her mistakes; but through our “own” perceptions. Her mistakes, like her good works, taught us all to be "more". More giving and forgiving, more dependable and independent, more sensitive and strong. Her mistakes should be appreciated, as they were all vital, to God's plan; and as promised, we all prospered.

Our mother was a comedian, with a more than humorous quick wit. Between her remarkable intelligence, and very facetious humor, we all learned quickly how to take and make a joke; while learning, too, her "Big words" like facetious. Though quick with jokes, she was even quicker with her classic comeback, "Whatever!" we were all so "Facetiously" fond of.

Our mother was a chef. She loved to cook for family and friends. ALL that were hungry were welcomed. We all learned from her how to cook, how to clean, and how to host a proper party. She taught by example, that it was all about the assortment; both feeding, and fulfilling everyone's tastes at the table. Her party spreads never lacked luster, in assortment, or abundance. In fact, they were so extra and ample, they made even her favorite Golden Corral game look weak!

Our mother was a caregiver; not just a steadfast mom. She made a career of it for quite a while, tending to children, and the elderly. But most of her skills and time was directed to her lifelong devotion to care for family first; for her mother and father, brothers and sisters, husbands and children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Our mother was a musician. She had a beautiful voice. As much as she loved singing, she loved listening even more! She'd spend hours (too many maybe!) listening to every contestant sing on America's Got Talent or YouTube. Music was joy for her soul. She will always be remembered for her constant dancing feet! If there was a tune to be heard, or beat to be made her tiny feet just couldn't keep still! They even danced to TV jingles, while she was asleep! It is guaranteed by all the music here today, she is here. Singing along, standing on her own again, both feet still steady dancing!

Above all, our mother was our lighthouse. Built beautifully, with fierce strength. Our steady landmark, our symbol of safety. A beacon of hope, when feeling lost or stranded. A radiant light, seen through any dark storm. She stood so bold, so tall above the waves; where we could all see home, no matter our distance. She will forever be our lighthouse, but we must be the keepers now. Maintain the purpose, and the light; carry on as beacons, in honor of her heart. To guide each other, to light up the whole world; until we too, all set our sails.

We love you, Mom,

We all love you MORE!❤️