Avis Williford Rose

Avis Williford Rose, 82, lost her battle with Dementia and died peacefully, Sunday, August 10, 2014, at the Westminster Health Center, Tallahassee, FL, with her daughter and granddaughter by her side. Formerly of Pensacola, FL, Avis resided at Westminster Oaks since March 2013. Avis and family moved to Pensacola the summer of 1968 soon after reuniting and marrying high school sweetheart, Jim Rose. Avis worked for Rod Magie at Beggs, Lane, PA until they moved to the Levin, Askew, Warfield firm. She then moved to Juvenile Court with Judge Theo Bruno 1972–1984. In January of 1985, Avis began working with Circuit Court Judge Nick Geeker until her retirement in June of 1998. In 1981, Avis served as Queen of Shimron Temple No. 133, Daughters of the Nile (DON), a fraternal organization whose sole philanthropy is to support Shrine Hospitals for Children. Through Hadji Shrine and DON, Avis and Jim made many lifelong friends and traveled extensively via their motor coach until Jim’s death in 2003. Avis is survived by daughter Donna Thornton Luke and husband Vance Luke, Tallahassee, Fl.; Charles T. “Tom” LeCroy, wife Claudia Banfell LeCroy; William Blevins Rose and wife Amy Armstrong Rose, Pensacola, FL.; Grandchildren Tammy Thornton Shealey and husband Jamie, Thomasville, GA; Cayla LeCroy Moore and husband Will; Mallory Paige LeCroy; Parker Allen Rose and Jameson Blevins Rose, Pensacola, FL.; Great-Grandchildren Langley Rose Wooten, Thomasville, GA; Braden Riley Martin; Caitlyn Anne Moore and William Landon Moore, Pensacola. She is also survived by Mike Rose and wife Jennifer; Mike’s children, grandchildren, a niece and nephew. Avis was preceded in death by husband Jimmy Marvin Rose; father C.D. Williford of TX; mother Annie Teel Gregory, Tallassee, AL; and sister Ann Williford Ramsey, Marietta, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Transportation Fund, Hadji Shrine Temple, 800 West Nine Mile Rd. Pensacola, FL, 32534 or Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Central Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Visitation is Thursday, 5:00 -7:00, service to follow at 7:00 pm, Harper Morris Funeral Home, 2276 Airport Blvd, Pensacola, with internment Monday, August 18, 10:15, Barrancas National Cemetery. Rocky Bevis and Kelly Barber at Bevis Funeral Home in Tallahassee (850/385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Avis Williford Rose

May 18, 1932 - August 10, 2014