Mildred Rose

Mildred "Millie" Rose, 79, of Jackson, Missouri, passed away Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023.

She was born Jan. 21, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Willie Bob and Lila Goodwin. Millie married Claude Rose on Sept. 26, 1974, in Marks, Mississippi. Claude knew right away he had married his forever sweetheart.

Claude and Millie made many friends in all of the places they lived together — Emporia, Kansas; Cape Girardeau; Jackson, Mississippi; and most recently in Jackson, Missouri.

Millie loved to bake. Her talents in cooking allowed her to also help heal hearts and create friendships and gained her the reputation of making the "World's Best Carrot Cake", and her red velvet cake was the favorite of many. Her cakes and breads were always among the first to be chosen in the fundraising raffles for Jackson Senior Center.

New McKendree United Methodist Church was her church home. She was active in Esther Circle and United Methodist Women. She was on the bereavement meal team and volunteered regularly at Southeast Missouri Food Bank. She and Claude enjoyed the close bonds they made in their Sunday school classes throughout the years.

Millie loved to entertain family and friends at their home that was always decorated for the current holiday or season. Guests knew there would be laughter, plenty of good food and more than likely a card game or two. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren more than anything. She always made sure to cook brownies, dream pie and okra because she knew they were their favorites.

Loving survivors include her husband, Claude Rose; children, Tim Metcalf, Lisa (Mark) McEachern and Mark (Cara) Rose; grandchildren, Wyatt Rose, Tate Friedrich, Bella Rose, Andy McEachern and Leah McEachern; and numerous nieces and cousins.

Millie was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bobby Goodwin; sister-in-law, Jane Alice Goodwin; and nieces, Judy Blackburn and Jane Moore.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at New McKendree United Methodist Church, 215 High St. in Jackson, Missouri.

A memorial service conducted by Pastor Bryan Wendling will immediately follow at 2 p.m. at the church. Private inurnment will be held at a later date in Russell Heights Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Scleroderma Research Foundation, www.srfcure.org, or Jackson Senior Center, 2690 Travelers Way, Jackson, MO 63755.

McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements.