DURHAM, N.C. – Mrs. Rose M. Morgan, 86, a long-time resident of Durham, died Sunday evening, July 7, 2013. She was born May 27, 1927.

Her loving husband of 52 years, Walter Edgar Morgan, preceded her in death. She is survived by their four children Steve (Robin) Morgan of Eden, Joan (Steve) Ferguson of Durham, Joe (Jan) Morgan of Durham and Carol Durham of Bellingham, Washington, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Marvel at the love, guidance and selflessness poured out to them through the years.

Her parents were John Henry Mathis and Rose Thurmond Mathis of Edgefield, SC. Predeceased brothers and sisters are Zelpha, Mamie, Gene, Charles, Lee and James (Red). She was the “baby sister.”

Surviving sister is Dorothy (Bob) Rummel of Durham.

Rose’s death is a loss for countless friends and the extended church family of Immanuel Baptist. Rose grew up in Edgefield County, Colliers Community and graduated from Edgefield High School.

As a bereaved widow, Rose stayed connected with lifelong friends and spouses and continued Edgar’s WWII Navy reunions. She met and bonded with a special veteran from Portland, Oregon, Marion (Elly) Ellsworth. They experienced cross-country times of laughter and activities that put joy in her life. Her declining health brought that chapter of her life to a close.

Rose’s home since December 2012 was Carillon Assisted Living on Garrett Road in Durham. At a later date, her body will be laid to rest with her husband in a private ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a financial memorial in her name to Immanuel Baptist Church, 3610 Hillandale Road, Durham, NC 27705. Visitation was July 13 (Saturday) at 3:00 p.m. followed by the service at 4:00 p.m. led by Rev. Mike Smith and former Immanuel pastor, Raymond Johns, assisted by Clements Funeral Home. The family continued to fellowship immediately after the service at the home of Joe Morgan, 5122 Russell Road, Durham, NC 27712.