Rose A. Bruce

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” - Proverbs 31:10 (KJV)

First Lady Rose A. Bruce completed her earthly journey on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 11:01 AM, and heard those wonderful words: ”Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” Sister Bruce was born on September 3, 1939 in Campbell County to the late Luther and Ellar (Ayers) Baird. On April 19, 1958, she married the love of her life, Delmus Bruce in Cour d’Alene, Idaho and began their nearly 68-year journey as husband and wife. In 1963, they moved from Washington State, going back “home” to Tennessee, and in 1964 began their Leadership of Stanfield Church of God and have held steadfast in the commitment to serving their community with love and building the Kingdom of God. She proudly proclaimed Ephesians 3:20 “He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us”. A beloved Mom and Mamaw to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, “Sister Bruce” and “Rosie” to her community and church family, and most importantly “Sweetheart” to Bro. Delmus. Sister Bruce always had a word of encouragement and with a loving tap on the chest would say “You are special!”. She never missed an opportunity to sing for the Lord, was always willing to visit and pray with anyone in need, and loved to have her family and church family gathered around the table. According to Bro. Bruce, “Her life should be remembered for being a dedicated prayer warrior, faithful wife and mother, and I couldn’t have asked for a better companion.”

In addition to her parents Luther and Ellar (Ayers) Baird, she is also preceded in death by sister, Alene Bruce, brother Delmas Baird, infant brother, Carl Baird, and loving nephews, Terry Ayers, Tim Ayers, and Eric Baird.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Bishop Delmus Bruce, son, Bishop Ron Bruce (Tina); daughters, Debrah Bruce Wilkerson (David), and Marsha Bruce; grandchildren, Josh Bruce (Kasey), Jennifer Jones (James), Megan Robbins (Josh), and Candice Robbins (Justin); great-grandchildren, Keegan Bruce, Katherine Elizabeth Rose Bruce, Lofton Jones, Rae Robbins, Anna Robbins, Erica Rose Robbins, Sevey Robbins, Liam Jones, Landon Jones, and Channing Robbins; Her loving brothers and sisters, Clara Ayers, Don Baird (Linda), Paul Baird (Juanita), Sylvia McCullah (Bishop Jerome), Mary Ellen Douglas, Margie Walden (Roger), Cliff Baird (Robin); and a host of loving nieces, nephews, church family, neighbors, and friends.

We would like to express a special thank you to all who have assisted Mrs. “Rosie” each week helping her to navigate church and appointments. She loved you big. We want to remind you how special you were to her. We would also like the thank the Nurses and Staff of LaFollette Medical Center, West Station, the team with LaFollette Health and Rehab, and Hospice Nurse Shanna with Gentiva for your diligent care and concern.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 2:00 – 6:00 PM at LaFollette Church of God. A Home Going Celebration will be held at 6:00 PM with Administrative Bishop of Tennessee, Tim Hill, Pastor Michael Dent, and Bishop Gary Sears officiating. Family and friends will meet on Sunday, March 23, 2025, 1:00 PM at Walters Funeral Home and proceed to Powell Valley Cemetery for 2:00 PM Graveside Services and Interment with Bishop Garrett Reese officiating. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in Sister Bruce’s honor to: Stanfield Church of God General Fund, 153 Old Stinking Creek Road, LaFollette, TN 37766. Walters Funeral Home of LaFollette is honored to be serving the family of First Lady Rose A. Bruce.