Fannie E. Rose

Fannie Ernestine Floyd entered this world on January 16, 1937, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee as the second eldest child and eldest daughter of seven children born to Ernest Daniel and Ella B. Floyd. She is survived by her son Wesley Rose, her daughter Karan McNeil, brothers, Thomas Floyd, Joseph Floyd and Ronnie Floyd.

She was known to most people as Ernestine and by her husband was affectionately called “Ernie”. Ernestine attended grade school. She enjoyed playing sports but spent a lot of time helping her mother care for her younger siblings. She was a graduate of Holloway High School in 1955 where she was the recipient of a Math and Science award.

After high school she attended Tennessee State University in Nashville to continue her education. As fate would have it, in 1955 Ernestine met through mutual friends, Theodore (Ted) Rose, while he was stationed in Smyrna, Tennessee at Sewart Air Force Base. They courted, fell in love, and were married on February 9, 1957. After Ted completed his Air Force duty they moved to New York. A short time later in 1958 and 1959 two children were born, Wesley Harold and Karan Lynn Rose.

Ernestine worked at the NY Telephone Company as a manager in the legal department of the main office. She would coordinate travel and logistics for lawyer and executive meetings. In addition, she supervised the chauffeurs used by the executives. She retired in 1992 after 25 + years of service. During retirement Ernestine and Ted travelled to visit family and made a once in a lifetime trip to Hawaii. Ernestine loved spending time with family and friends. As a couple they hosted dinner parties. As hobbies, she enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She made several dresses for herself and her daughter and a number of knitted winter scarves. Ernestine liked sight-seeing, visiting museums and Broadway shows. She stayed abreast of current events and loved watching movies and eating Original Rays Pizza.

Ernestine was known for her warmth, care, kindness and generosity. She shared her concern for others through calls, notes and visits when she was able. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed.

Ernestine is preceded in death by her husband Ted of fifty-eight years, her sister Irma Evans and brothers, John-Frazier, Francis, Ricky Floyd and daughter-in-law, Dulcina Rose. She leaves to cherish her memory: her son Wesley and grandchildren, Hasani, Naeemah, Omari, and Rashad. She leaves her daughter Karan; son-in-law, Michael McNeil and grandchildren, Geoffrey and Stephen McNeil. She also leaves four great-grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other loving relatives and friends.