Rosalie Smalley Cromer

Rosalie Smalley Cromer, 98, longtime resident of Greenwood and widow of Carl William Cromer, passed away on November 20th at Wesley Commons.

Born in Oconee County, Rosalie was the daughter of George and Nell Ford Smalley. She graduated from Greenwood High School in 1945 and continued her education at Waldrop Beauty Academy in Greenville. At age 60, demonstrating her trademark curiosity and determination, she returned to the classroom at Lander University to study art and writing-two passions that bloomed beautifully in her later years.

A devoted homemaker, beautician, and ceramics and art instructor at the Greenwood Senior Center, Rosalie poured her creative gifts into everything she touched. Her life was marked by a bold, joyful, and unwavering witness for her Lord. Rosalie served faithfully and was deeply involved with the Baptist Foreign Mission Board. Her mission work carried her to Russia, Africa, and Honduras, and she eagerly shared her love for missions with any civic or church group who welcomed her.

Believing that ministry was just as important at home as it was around the world, Rosalie became active in the Bill Glass Prison Ministry, visiting and corresponding with individuals whom society often overlooked or condemned. She was also a regular visitor to the women at Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood. She and Carl were devoted supporters of Faith Home Christian Recovery, demonstrating through action their compassion for those seeking hope and restoration.

Rosalie's love for writing and art grew steadily through the years. She began submitting articles to the Index-Journal and was delighted when the newspaper invited her to contribute additional pieces. A member of both the Greenwood Writers' Guild and the Greenwood Artists' Guild, she authored two books-IF and The Joy of Christmas-and filled countless notebooks with poetry.

A lifelong learner, she refined her creative talents under professors at Lander and through workshops across the South. Forever young at heart, Rosalie attended Professional Clown School, where she became "Dee-Light," sharing humor and the Gospel with children, families, and church groups.

Her life and philosophy were beautifully captured in a simple phrase she often repeated: "Beauty is there." Rosalie spent her 98 years seeking out that beauty-in the people she loved, in the art she created, and in every soul she reached with her kindness, courage, and faith.

Rosalie is survived by her daughter, Connie Dixon (Herman) of Summerville, and three sons: Alan Cromer (Debbie) of Union, Mike Cromer (Minh) of Charleston, and Dale Cromer of Greenwood. She leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, all of whom treasured her wisdom, humor, and unwavering love.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of Blyth Funeral Home. with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Lethco and Rev. Jamie Parlor officiating. Burial will follow at Rehoboth Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family is at their respective homes, and will receive friends at the Funeral Home 4-6:00 PM Sunday afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northside Baptist Church, 409 Northside Dr. W Greenwood SC 29649 or South Main Baptist Church, 1000 S Main St, Greenwood, SC 29646.

For online condolences, please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com

Blyth Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be assisting the Cromer family.