Rosalie Smelser Brown, 67, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, December 18, 2014 in Virginia Beach. Born on April 11, 1947 in Norfolk, she was the daughter of the late Foxie Smelser and Rosa Smelser. Rosalie worked as an Administrative Assistant for Sheavly Financial Group, and was active in the choir at First Baptist Church of Norfolk. When not working, Rosalie enjoyed traveling abroad, shopping with her girls, and spoiling her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, David Brown of Norfolk, VA; two daughters, Debbie Hoffius and her husband, James of Norfolk, VA, Cheryl Eavenson and her husband, Brad, of Greensboro, NC; a grandson, Steven Hoffius and his wife, Nyera of Virginia Beach, VA; two granddaughters, Kerri Cofer and her husband, Landon of Lynchburg, VA, Sarah Eavenson of Greensboro, NC; a brother, Eugene Smelser and his wife, Tyna of Virginia Beach, VA; a niece, Lisa Hernandez and her husband, Rhoneil of Virginia Beach, VA; a nephew, Brian Smelser of Virginia Beach, VA; a great-niece, Rachel Hernandez of Virginia Beach, VA; a great-nephew, Silas Hernandez of Virginia Beach, VA; and “adopted grandchildren” Scott Lee of Madison, MS and Ellen Lee of Suffolk, VA.
The family will receive friends on Monday, December 22, 2014 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Norfolk. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, December 22, 2014 at 12:00 pm following the visitation. Interment will be held on December 22, 2014 at 3:00 pm at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Norfolk. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered in Rosalie’s name to the Sentara Foundation, 6015 Poplar Hall Drive, Suite 308, Norfolk, VA 23502.
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Dear David — Sue and I were saddened to hear of Rosalie’s death. Rosalie was such an upbeat, vivacious, loving person. She loved and encouraged everyone she met. We mourn with you and your family at this sad time. Yet, we also join you in praising God that Rosalie is now with the Savior she loved so dearly. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Ps 116:15. We are also encouraged by God’s promise in John 11: 25-26. Please be assured that we will be lifting up you and your family as you grieve. May the Lord give you His perfect peace as you mourn. God bless you, Skip and Sue Ash
David,
I have been praying for you all. I wish I had the proper words of what to say but please accept my condolences. Heaven received an awesome angel that will be watching over you all. Cherish the beautiful memories.
Many prayers,
Sharon
My deepest sympathies. With such a heavy heart I remember smiling Rosalie. To me just always been there and I feel like family and at times she would say “you are family”. Praise that she is now with Jesus and completely and forever healed. Will be missed so very much. Love to David, Cheryl, Debbie and all the family.
Our deepest sympathy to the family. We have fond memories of the times we visited together. David,It is great that you have a supportive family and friends and church family. God bless you and give you peace.
What a godsend Rosalie was to me through the years. Her heart was filled with love for people because of her love for God. She defined the word “friend” for all of us. My sweet friend, thank you.
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our good friend Rosalie Brown. Our condolences go out to Husband David, daughters Debbie and Cheryl, and their families. We will miss here deeply and are keeping her family in our thoughts and hearts as they grieve the loss of a wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Rest in peace Ro.
Words can’t express the depths of my sorrow..but they can show how I feel about Rosalie.
My Rosalie was a nightingale, caring for everyone around her.
My Rosalie was a sparrow, always putting others first.
My Rosalie was a hummingbird, flitting around the office, brightening my every moment she was here.
My Rosalie was a wren, a beautiful songbird always singing to His glory.
Now my Rosalie is an eagle-soaring on eagles wings.
God be with you, I love you.
Nickie
I met Rosalie more than 30 years ago as a little girl. I never once saw Rosalie without a smile on her face. David, I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope that peace and comfort are with you and your family in the road ahead.
David and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of Rosalie’s home going. We are thankful that the Lord crossed our paths, you both are very dear to us. May the peace and comfort of our Lord overwhelm you during these days of “joyful sadness.”
My wife and I did not know Rosalie that well, having met her only a few times in the offices of Sheavly Financial Group. One time was a gathering of clients for a social event and a few others were on business occasions. In all situations she was a happy person with a wonderful sense of humor. She will be missed by many people in many different ways.
You are all in our prayers that the Lord will comfort you during this time. Rosalie was much loved and will be greatly missed.
I was saddened to see Rosalie in the paper this morning, she was a wonderful person and a fine representative of our Lord Jesus. David, Debbie and Cheryl, you and family are in my prayers at her home-going – now she sings in the heavenly choir. I love you all.
It was an honor to help care for Mrs Brown when she was a patient at Sentara Leigh Hospital. My sincere condolences to the whole family.
David, Debbie, Cheryl, Gene, – Very sorry to hear about Rosalie and all her suffering. She was such a sweet person and all you think of when you mention her name is her contagious laugh and smile. We have had so many years to be with her all the way back to Burrows. We know that she is with our Heavenly Father and will suffer no more. We send our deepest sympathy to you all and pray God will give you all his peace.
We were always greeted with a warm a smile and a big “Hello” from Rosalie. She will be missed by Boots and I. My thoughts and prayers are with Dave and all the family.
We were always greeted with a warm a smile and a big “Hello” from Rosalie. She will be missed by Boots and I. My thoughts and prayers are with Dave and all the family.
David and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your love one. What a bright smile Rosalie had. She will be missed greatly.
May God be with you, give you peace and comfort as you face the difficult days ahead. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
I had fond memories of her when I was growing up at Burrows Memorial. She always glowed when she sung in the choir. My family sends our deepest sympathy to you all and pray God will give you all his peace.
We both have such sweet memories of one of the sweetest souls ever to cross our paths and become a special part of our lives. The beautiful smile, sparkling eyes, infectious laugh, spunky spirit. Our hearts go out to you, David, Debbie and Cheryl, and the rest of the family. I know there are no adequate words to help ease your hurt right now, so I pray for God’s arms to wrap around all of you and that you’ll feel His presence ever so closely.
David,
May God bless you and your family! Rosalie was fantastic and always smiling! I had forgotten that we shared the same birthday on April 11! I am glad that she is no longer in pain. May God comfort you and your family in your loss! Rosalie is smiling at you from above! Love, Nancy
David, I am so sorry to hear about Rosalie. She was a great lady and a blessing to all who came in contact with her. She will be missedby us all. Kniw that you are in my prayers. God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
David and Family – It is always so sad when a neighbor passes away because we see each other coming and going almost daily. You have been in our prayers ever since we heard of Rosalie’s sudden illness and we hope our Lord will help you with each day ahead.
My family is so sorry to hear of the passing of Rosalie. We have such great memories of her and her family when we were at Burrows Memorial. Always remember her great smile and laughter; she would light up the room! She is now in the arms of our Savior and out of pain. We will continue to pray for the healing grace of our Lord and may we find comfort knowing we will one day see her again.