Rose Marie King

Rose Marie King, affectionately known as “Rosie” by her grandchildren, was born on August 5, 1945, to Daniel Webster King and Helen Jane Beverly King in Locust Hill, Middlesex County, Virginia. She was thetenth child in her family. Following the passing of her mother in 1948, she relocated to New Jersey, and later to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she was raised first by her aunt and then by her older sisters. In her teenage years, she returned to Middlesex to live with her father, whom she adored.

In 1963, Rose graduated from St. Clare Walker High School in Middlesex County. She then began her career with the Middlesex County School Board, where she dedicated ten years of service. In 1976, she joined the James City County government sector in Williamsburg, Virginia, as a clerk typist while continuing her education and professional development. Through hard work and determination, she advanced step by step to the role of Purchasing Director in 1989, becoming the first African-American woman to hold adirector-level position in James City County. She retired in 2009 after more than three decades of distinguished service.

Rose was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Saluda, Virginia and New Zion Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. Throughout her life, Rose was actively engaged in professional and civic organizations. She was a member of the National and Virginia Associations of Governmental Purchasing and a dedicated advocate for professional development in public procurement. Rose was a breast cancer survivor and member of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation – Peninsula Chapter, supporting others through their journeys. She also dedicated herself to social justice as a proud member of the NAACP. Additionally, she was a committed member of Toastmasters – V.O.I.C.E.S of Williamsburg, an organization for public speaking where Rose served many roles, including, VP of Education and VP of Public Relations. In these roles, she was a resource of experience, planning, mentoring and inspiring others to develop confidence in public speaking.

Her life will forever be cherished by her children, George Sutherlin, Jr. (Rachael) of Ft. Washington, Maryland and Shannon Jones (Reggie) of Williamsburg, Virginia; her brother, Abraham King (Rita) of Havelock, North Carolina; and her six grandchildren: Carolyn and Ashanti Sutherlin, Kayla and Daniel Jones, Nathan and Nicholas Willie.

She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends whom she loved dearly.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, eight siblings, and many close family and friends.

Rose Marie King will be remembered for her professionalism, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family, community, and career. She embraced life with a love of dance, a deep appreciation for culture andhistory, and an unwavering readiness to help anyone in need. Her generosity and spirit touched countless lives, and her legacy will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Noon on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church, 3971 General Puller Hwy, Saluda, VA 23149. Ms. King may be viewed from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday,February 28, 2025, at Whiting's Funeral Home.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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