Rose Carolyn Crow

If life is a song worth singing, then every breath taken should exude the melody, the harmony and the rhapsody of Rose Carolyn Crow. Rose transitioned peacefully on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. Within a span of seven amazing decades, this incredible woman found a way to leave an indelible mark on the life of every person she touched. Having served from the bottom to the top providing exemplary leadership, Rose gave definition to the true meaning of servant and mentor at its best. The unforgettable moment in time was February 21, 1944. It was then that Rose made her grand entrance into the world. Delivered by a midwife in Gurdon, Arkansas she was the beloved daughter of Elmore and Velma Crow. Family played a key role in the development and shaping of her life. Rose accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior as a little girl. She was baptized at a young age at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Gurdon, which later became New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church led by Rev. H. R. Green. During her stay in Cleveland, Rose became a member of Second Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church where she enjoyed serving under the leadership of Rev. Charlie D. Gant. Later in life, Rose joined Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Johnny C. Harris where she remained a faithful and dedicated member. Rose served as a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, choir member, church clerk, mission ministry secretary, and assisted with the kitchen ministry. She was a stalwart leader and worked on many local and district committees. She was a proud member and secretary of the A Division choir of the Southwest District Association. She was also a member of the Southwest District Choir and secretary of the Section One Women Department of the Southwest District. She was a strong participant and supporter of the Congress, leader of the Baby Hour and assisted with the youth choir and public speaking contest. Rose became a dedicated member of the Order of Eastern Star, Holly Grove Chapter #387 and served as Worthy Matron, Past Matron, and District Deputy for District #2. She loved her chapter, OES sisters and Masonic brothers. She was also a member of Les Dames Social Club of Gurdon and joined the graduate chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Rose was a 1961 graduate of Bell High School in Gurdon, Arkansas. She attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas and Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She excelled as a student and was committed to achieving her educational goals. Rose furthered her education and enrolled at Arkansas AM&N (now UAPB) in Pine Bluff, Arkansas earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Rose’s teaching career of over 30 years spanned over schools in Cleveland, Okolona, Rosston and the Arkadelphia Human Development Center which she retired from in 2005. She worked for Group Living and served as a Foster Parent for many years. After retirement, she worked as a substitute teacher for Gurdon, Arkadelphia, and Prescott public schools. She was a passionate educator and believed that planting the seed early made the greatest impact in a child’s learning. It was always a pleasure to see former students and coworkers from all her years of teaching. Each encounter became a treasured memory added to the rest that were kept close to her heart. A true servant in every aspect of the word Rose did not mind lending her time, talent and treasures to many people, causes, and organizations. She volunteered for the Clark County Red Cross, Clark County Save the Children Program, Secretary for Gurdon Neighborhood Action Council, charter member of the Clark County NAACP - Gurdon Branch, and a member of the Gurdon Community Choir. Of all the notable titles and respected positions, she was a supportive sweet mother, even sweeter grandmother, proud aunt and a true friend. Always aiming to give the best she had, whether it be time, advice, or a soft hug, you knew you could depend on her to be authentic, diplomatic, and encouraging. She had a calm sweet spirit yet asserted herself for matters she felt were important. Her selflessness, sense of humor, and love for family, students, and friends will be remembered by all who knew her well. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmore and Velma Crow; her brothers, Terry Crow and Lawrence Crow. Rose leaves an everlasting imprint on the hearts and minds of many people who learned from her, aspired greater positions because of her, and saw her manage her life as an example of how greatness is really achieved. A lifetime of love and memories will be felt by her daughter, Valerie Crow-McDowell (Billy) of Arlington, Texas; granddaughter, Courtney Rose Phillips of Miami, Florida; grandson, Garrett McDowell of Arlington, Texas; sister, Emma Cornelius (Robert) of Crossett, Arkansas; aunt, Shirley Robinson (Frank) of Cleveland, Ohio; aunt, Alice Loudermilk, of Los Angeles, California; aunt, Wanda Crow of Gurdon, Arkansas; and aunt, Emma Barnes of Cleveland, Ohio. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, other innumerable friends, and the Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church family. Public visitation begins at noon and the family will receive friends from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at the funeral home. A service in honor of her life will be shared at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Johnny C. Harris, officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hedge Cemetery.