Betty Wilkerson Rosenbaum

1930 - 2025

Betty Wilkerson Rosenbaum

April 2, 1930 - September 3, 2025

Betty Rose Wilkerson Rosenbaum, 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, surrounded by family at her home in Hickory, N.C.

Born in Greenville, N.C., in 1930, to the late John Erwin and Doris Allen Wilkerson. Betty Rose grew up in Farmville, N.C., before graduating from Greensboro College in 1952. On a fateful drive to Cape Lookout, she met her future husband, Carl David Rosenbaum, Jr., of Tarboro. They married in Farmville on June 25, 1952 - on a day so hot the candles melted three times - beginning 54 years of adventures together.

Betty Rose and Carl first made their home in Tarboro, where their daughters Nancy and Betty were born. She quickly became active in community life, serving as president of the Tarboro Woman's Club. After moving to Washington, N.C., in 1965, she served faithfully in her Episcopal parish through the altar guild, choir, and as president of the Episcopal Church Women. Their final move brought them to Fayetteville, N.C., in 1972, where Betty Rose began her career with Cumberland County Public Schools. While in Fayetteville, she continued to serve in St. John's parish for almost 50 years including serving on the vestry. She was also a long-time member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), including John Hoyle Chapter in Hickory.

As a school social worker, she devoted herself to the well-being of children and families. Her work earned her North Carolina's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, for her leadership in early childhood education and her role in shaping the precursor to the national Head Start program. She retired in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of care for generations of North Carolina children.

She and Carl shared a love of travel, visiting family and friends around the world. Those experiences, along with her love of music, cooking, and holiday decorations, filled her home with warmth and joy. Known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as "Grommie," Betty Rose will be remembered for her hospitality, wisdom, quick-witted humor, and the Southern charm and politeness she carried into every relationship.

She is survived by her daughters, Nancy R. Meek (Robert Jr.) of Hickory, N.C., and Betty R. Snyder of Mechanicsville, Va.; grandchildren, Robert Meek III (Lindsay), David Meek (Ashley), Corbin Meek (Natalie), Catherine Snyder, Elizabeth Snyder Hove (A.J.), Jack Snyder III (Kimberly), Eleanor Rose Snyder; great-grandchildren, Munroe, Naomi, Gwennie, Hudson, Harrison, Penelope, and Cameron; and her sister, Doris W. Gray (John) of Tarboro. Her nephews Lee and Gray Plunkett, Wilton, III, John Keck and Mark Moore. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl; and her son-in-law, Jack A. Snyder II. She gave us all her unconditional love and care.

Services will be held in Hickory at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension on Saturday, September 6th at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Michael Alford officiating. Internment will be at the family plot in Farmville at Forest Hills Cemetery on Sunday, September 7th at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Western Piedmont Symphony, the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, DAR, or the USO.

Arrangements are being handled by Bass-Smith Funeral Home.