Originally of South Boston, she died at her home after battling renal cancer for several months. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Howard B. Wilson, who died in March, 2001, and also by her brother, Frank Sadler, and by her parents, Charles and Julia Sadler. She is survived by her brother, Charles Sadler; by sisters, Jane Baynes and Nancy Gibson; by children, Donna Wilbourne, Howard D. Wilson, Paris Wilson, Jeanne Wilson Gohn, and Scott Wilson; by grancdhildren, Kacey Wilbourne, Lyle Wilson, Tanner Gohn, Tyler, Wilson, and Maxwell Gohn; and by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was godmother to Ravi and Monica Dutta.

Rose worked for Reynolds Metals for 10 years before becoming a realtor in 1978. She worked for Century 21, winning numerous sales awards.

She was an active member of Second Baptist Church on River Road, contributing to Sunday School, Womans Missionary Union, and helping newly-American families acclimate to Richmond life and find employment through the church's English as a Second Language (ESL) program. To many of these families, Rose became a mentor and close friend.

An avid gardener, Rose was a past president of the Roslyn Hills Garden Club and a member of Ikebana of Richmond.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Rose's name to Second Baptist Church Building Fund, 9614 River Road, Richmond VA 23229.

Her remains rest at the Bliley Funeral Home's Staples Mill Chapel, 8510 Staples Mill Road, where the family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Friday, November 16. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, November 17, at Second Baptist Church, 9614 River Road.