Rosemarie (Rose) Wilson was born on August 20, 1954, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Seavens Holder and Marie O’Neil. She was the middle of eight children and grew up in a loving household that valued kindness and hard work. At an early age, Rose accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was a devoted Christian.
Rose attended and graduated from Point Loma High School. Her passion for learning and commitment to pursuing knowledge led her to continue her educational endeavors at San Diego State University. Rose graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s in Science and again, with a Masters in Psychology. She later attended National University’s PhD program.
Rose was driven by a deep passion for mental health awareness. As an active member of National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), Rose used her own experiences to advocate tirelessly for those in need through her powerful public speaking and writing. Rose organized countless workshops, support groups and awareness campaigns. Her words resonated with many, offering hope and understanding to those struggling in silence. Rose combined her love for mental health with her passion for education and began working in the social service field, having worked for the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, State of California Employment Development Department, Community Research Foundation and San Diego States Research Foundation.
Rose was a woman of extraordinary strength and resilience, who single-handedly raised her four children with unwavering love. She faced life challenges head-on with determination and grace. She worked tirelessly, often holding down a job and attending school, to ensure her children never went without. Every sacrifice she made was done out of love and dedication to providing a better life for her family. Her children were her world, and she poured all her energy into giving them the best possible start to life. She taught them values of hard work, love, and the importance of education and always putting their needs above her own. Her legacy lives on in the strength and success of her children, who were shaped by her untiring love and courage.
Rose, a beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed on July 9, 2024 at the age of 69 in Chula Vista, CA.
Rose is survived by her brothers; Donald Ray and Marcus, sister Deborah Selena Holder, children; Donald Robinson (Terra), Marcus Wilson (Candace) Marquitta Barnes (Elmo) and Marissa Adams (Anthony), grandchildren; Jordan, Marcel, Donald, Mikayla, Tiana, Leilani, Elijah, Daron, Jalen, Jadah, Eugene, Mackenzie, MaryAnn, Zaiden, Deshawn, Kayliegh, Makisig, and Rosella, great-grandchildren; Levi, Zaiden, D’Angelo, and Kario, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents; Seavens and Marie Holder, and brothers; Seavens, Willaim Roger, Danny Eugene, and Micheal James.
Her love, warmth and selflessness will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, though she is no longer with us, her spirit will live on in our hearts forever. LOVING Mother ~ Grandmother ~Sister ~ Aunt ~ Friend.
