Rosalyn Rashid Wilkerson

I was born on November 14, 1922, the twelfth of thirteen children into the loving and caring family of Jacob and Saida Kouri Rashid, immigrants from Lebanon. We lived in Fort Madison in a beautiful Spanish home that my father built.

In 1941, I graduated from Fort Madison High School, where I won a state-wide typing contest. After graduation, I worked for the Sheaffer Pen Company, eventually working in the War Division Department. After my marriage, I worked alongside my husband at our clothing store Madison's MensWear, where I had my own women's clothing department.

On August 7, 1948, I married my best friend, Paul (Pete) Wilkerson, in a beautiful, elaborate Lebanese wedding at St. Mary's Church in Iowa City. It was a double wedding with my sister Johanna and her groom, Bob Parker. The wedding was attended by 500 guests. It was covered by Life Magazine and was broadcasted live by the local radio station. We were taken from the church to the reception by a horse-drawn surrey complete with the fringe on top while local citizens and college students lined the streets trying to get a glimpse of the newly weds.

In 1962, Look Magazine brought national recognition to the family started by my father and mother in an article "She's Mama to 100." This proud family has now grown to over 300!

I pursued many hobbies and pastimes. I was an avid bowler, artist, poker player, and bridge player. I enjoyed performing as a member of the singing group Sweet Adelines. In my 50s, I couldn't find end tables that I liked, so I took a woodworking class, where I designed and crafted two beautiful walnut end tables. Pete and I always enjoyed entertaining our many friends and introducing them to Lebanese food. My greatest passion was my yard. I enjoyed spending many hours planting and tending to my flower beds, trees, and statues. My work was enjoyed by many when our house was chosen for several garden tours.

The absolute joy of my life is our beautiful family - my son, Paul and his wife Rev Bonnie - my daughter, Kimberlee - my grandson, Paul and his wife Brianna - and my great-grandsons, Paul and Chad. The many birthdays, Christmases, anniversaries, and yearly family vacations to the Lake of the Ozarks created special memories. I also have wonderful memories of my nieces, nephews, cousins, and their many children.

I also suffered many losses in my life. The greatest was the 2001 loss of the love of my life, Pete. In addition to my father and mother, I also lost all my brothers and sisters - George, Idol, Farris, Frank, Namen, Philip, Austin, Georgia, Wafta, Edna, Mary, and Johanna - and many dear aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

My memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Febr. 12, 2025 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory, with Father Gary Beckman officiating. I invite all of you attending my service to a gathering at my home, where a light dinner will be served.

Also, I have established a memorial for my beloved Old Settlers Park. I started every morning in my living room with my coffee and toast with labneh while enjoying my view of the park.

Please send memorial gifts to Paul Wilkerson, 415 10th Street, Fort Madison, IA 52627. Online condolences to my family may be left at www.kinglynk.com.

I want to thank you and all of the people in my life for making it a life worth living.

May God bless you all.

Rosie