Obituary of Rose A. DeGroat

The sun rose on the life of Mother Rose A. DeGroat on June 29, 1913 in Marlin, Texas when she born to Charlie and Lucrecy Griffith Nelson. The youngest of fourteen children, Rose grew up with four brothers, Robert, Clarence, William and Charlie, Jr. and four sisters, Juanita, Louversia, Julia and Susie. In 1915, the family relocated to Ft. Worth, Texas. As a child, she was always going to school and playing with her siblings. She loved to jump rope and play marbles. Educated in the public school system Rose attended elementary school and I. M. Terrel High School. She did not graduate, instead choosing to leave school and help with her family. While living in Ft. Worth, Rose was a member of Johnson Chapel A.M.E. Church. She sang in the Junior Choir. She was also a member of the Mamie Carr Auxiliary. In 1941, Rose was united in marriage with Captain Beverly in Ft. Worth. To this union were born two precious children, Lugeania and Gordon. Captain Beverly was always a sharp dresser (as was Rose!) and the couple greatly enjoyed attending lots of social functions. She was a loving and devoted mother. In 1949, they relocated to Denver, CO. Rose united with Campbell A.M.E. Church where she joined the Usher Board and the Hospitality Club. In later years, her granddaughter, Jessica was a special source of joy in her life. Jessica called her "Grandma Rose" and loved her dearly. In 1962, Rose was united in marriage with Sgt. John R. DeGroat whom she met in Denver. The couple exchanged their vows at the Denver County Courthouse. They loved having parties and entertaining their friends. "Everyone loved being at the DeGroat house." A woman of deep faith in God, Rose joined Jordan A.M.E. Church, which was a split from Campbell A.M.E. where she served the Lord and her church as a Stewardess, member of the Usher Board and Lay Organizer. She later joined Jordan A.M.E. Chapel, also serving as a Stewdardess and Lay Organizer. She was also a member of the Gold Star Wives of America after Sgt. DeGroat's death in 1990. Rose was employed with Rose Medical Center in Denver in the position of Nurse Aide. She was known and loved for dedication, her care of her patients and kindness to everyone she worked with. In her free time, Rose enjoyed going to church, shopping and going out to eat. Her best friends were Lottie Baskerville, Evelyn Jones and Barbara Boynton. Her favorite colors were blue and pink. She loved roses and most enjoyed listening to and singing gospel music. Her love, cheery smile, kindness and dedication to God and her church will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to share a part of this lovely lady's life. In her own words, "God has blessed me to live a long and good life. God bless." To know Mother Rose was truly to love her. The sun set on the life of Mother Rose A. DeGroat on July 15, 2107 when the Lord called her home to eternal rest. She is preceded in death by her husband, son, Gordon, daughter, Lugeania; parents and thirteen siblings. Those left to cherish her memory include her granddaughter, Jessica DeGroat; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nephews, great nieces, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Rest in peace...Mother Rose