Martha Virginia Rose

Martha Virginia Jenkins Rose

Nashville, TN

Martha Virginia Jenkins Rose, age 94 of Nashville, passed away July 5, 2014. A native Nashvillian, she was born on April 28, 1920.

Preceded in death by parents, Sam L. and Thelma Ross Jenkins; sister, Sammie Louise Jenkins Tallent; and husband of over 70 years, Garland P. Rose, Sr.

She is survived by daughter, Mary Etta O'Day; son, Garland (Mary Jane) Rose, Jr.; grandchildren, Ron (Stefanie) Roberts, Paige Garner, Cyndi (Andrew) Murr and Janie E. Rose; great-grandchildren, Kaci (Josh) Burton, Taylor Roberts, Britney Garner, Ryan Garner, Margaret Ann "Maggie" Murr, Nolan Murr and Addie Foster; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She graduated from East Nashville High School in 1938 and attended the Nashville Business College, where she learned lifelong skills and started work with the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Shortly afterward, Martha met Garland, who professed at their first meeting that he would marry her someday. Her reply was "I don't know about that." They married on November 27, 1940 at Hobson Methodist Church. Their relationship lasted until his death in April, 2011.

Even Garland's service in World War II did not separate them long. His training at several universities and stateside installations for service as a radar mechanic, ground control approach (GCA) allowed Martha to join him, and meet other wives supporting their husbands. The friendships made lasted for a lifetime.

After the war, Martha and Garland returned to Nashville and settled with two young children in the developing Dalewood Community. After volunteer service as a room-mother and PTA officer, Martha joined the faculty and staff of Dalewood Elementary School in 1954 as School Secretary. After 28 years, she retired in 1982, having served four principals and numerous teachers and students. In many instances, she recognized former students returning with their children. Martha's efficiency and caring disposition were recognized and appreciated by all with whom she made contact. Again, friendships lasted a lifetime.

Known as "Memommy" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Martha cherished the love of two more generations of family. These generations, as well as the others before them, cherished every moment they had with her and always left saying, "I love you."

She was often very quiet and always sat back while others ran the show. You would see her smile and hear her laugh. She loved children and always waved with a smile at each child she saw. You could see the sparkle in her eye when she spoke with all.

Services will be conducted on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Spring Hill Funeral Home with Bro. Ronnie Webb officiating. Visitation will begin at 12 p.m. until service time. Interment to follow in Historic Spring Hill Cemetery. Active Pallbearers include: John W. Brown, Dale Kehrer, Andrew Murr, Ron Roberts, Ronny Sadler and Ryan Garner.

Special thanks to the staff of Creekside Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Dalewood United Methodist Church, 2300 Ridgecrest Drive, Nashville, TN 37216.

Arrangements entrusted to: Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville; (615) 865-1101; springhillfh.com.