Evelyn Hollowell Rose

GOLDSBORO — Evelyn Hollowell Rose, 102, went home to be with her Lord and the many loved ones who have gone before her on Sunday morning, Nov. 9, 2025. A woman of deep Christian faith, Evelyn lived her life with grace, devotion, and love, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire her family and all who knew her. Born in Wayne County on May 23, 1923, to the late David and Eugenia Hollowell, Evelyn was one of six children raised in a home grounded in faith and family values. She graduated from Grantham School in 1940 and began her working life in retail, where her kind spirit and gentle smile endeared her to many.

On May 27, 1944, Evelyn married the love of her life, John William Rose Jr., son of John and Venie Rose, in Newton Grove, Sampson County. Together, they shared a beautiful marriage built on faith, hard work, and devotion, making their home on the family farm in Newton Grove.

Evelyn cherished her years on the farm, supporting her husband and nurturing their family with love and care.

Following John's passing on Sept. 26, 1982, Evelyn returned to Goldsboro, where she lived next door to her beloved sister, Hilda Howell. She continued to bless others with her joyful spirit and strong work ethic, working at the Home Bazaar (formerly known as The Dollar Store) until her retirement at the remarkable age of 80. She often reminisced about her wonderful customers and co-workers, treasuring the friendships she made along the way.

Evelyn's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She and her husband were active members of their church in Newton Grove, and upon returning to Goldsboro, she became a devoted member of Goldsboro Friends Meeting, where she faithfully worshiped and served.

In her later years, Evelyn found joy in preserving memories. She lovingly created scrapbooks filled with church bulletins, wedding and funeral programs, newspaper clippings, and greeting cards — each page a reflection of the people and moments she cherished. She also showed her family the importance of remembering and honoring their heritage, instilling in each generation a deep appreciation for their roots and shared history.

Evelyn is survived by her son, David Rose and wife, Freida; daughter, Martha Pate and husband, Robbie; grandchildren, Andrea Pate Hand and husband, Richard, and Lindsay Pate Everetts and husband, Jimmy; and great-grandchildren, Aiden James Everetts, Hailey Rose Hand, Hannah Bethea Hand, and Brody David Everetts. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much and who held a special place in her heart.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Seth Hollowell, William (Bill) Hollowell, and Virgil Hollowell; and her sisters, Sarah Elizabeth Hollowell and Hilda Hollowell Howell.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, Nov. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home, followed by a service to celebrate Evelyn's life at 1 p.m. in the chapel. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Newton Grove.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the nurses and staff at Willow Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their loving care of Evelyn, especially Brenda McPhail and Gail King, during her seven and a half years of residence.

Flowers are welcome — as Evelyn dearly loved beautiful flowers — or memorials may be made in her memory to Goldsboro Friends Meeting, 1800 Salem Church Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

Evelyn's long and faithful life was a testament to her love for the Lord, her family, and her friends. Her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and kind heart will continue to live on in those who were blessed to know her.