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Rose Marie Pope Thurman, 97, of 303 Baker St., Suffolk, passed away Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Autumn Care of Portsmouth. She was born on May 25, 1924, to the late James and Gertrude Pope and was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Thurman, and stepson, Robert Thurman.

Rose received her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1963 from the state of New York and worked for Coney Island Hospital as an LPN for more than 29 years, serving her patients with love, care and compassion until she retired in 1986. She was also a member of the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses Inc. She also held a license as a cosmetologist from the state of New York from 1958 until 1990, and received certificates from the Board of Education from the City of New York for Elementary Dressmaking in 1974.

Rose continued her life of service as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and as a member of Greater Zion Shiloh Baptist Church, Brooklyn, New York. She served as a deaconess and was a member of the Deaconess Council Association Inc. for many years. She was also a life member of Church Women United in Brooklyn, New York, and served as the historian and received many honors and awards for her distinguished record of service. Rose moved to Virginia in 2005 and continued her service, as a member of East End Baptist Church where she was a proud member of the “Golden Girls.”

Rose Marie Pope Thurman loved her family more than anything and leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Shirley V. Dickens, of Suffolk, and Marva L. Spooner, of Queens, New York; two stepchildren, Mary Wall (Thurman), of Bronx, New York, and George Thurman, of Bronx, New York; 12 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, 28 great-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-great-grandchildren; and a number of aunts, cousins and dedicated friends.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at Crocker Funeral Home, 900 E. Washington St., Suffolk, VA 23434. Those wishing to attend virtually, contact a family member for viewing details. Visitation of family and friends will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, at Crocker Funeral Home. Rose Marie Pope Thurman will be laid to rest at Carver Memorial Cemetery in Suffolk.

All visitors are required to wear a mask at all times.