Beatrice Rose

Beatrice Eva Van Horn Rose (“Bea”), 93, died on May 15, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, the Reverend William Harrison Rose (“Bill”). They first met as teenagers and married on January 28, 1961. She was born December 5, 1931, in Webbville, Kentucky, to Galba David and Eva Wheeler Van Horn. Her family moved to Lexington, Kentucky, in 1934.

She graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and worked for 15 years as a copywriter for radio and television stations in Lexington before moving with her husband to South Carolina. There she was active in Episcopal congregations in Winnsboro, Columbia, Bluffton, Estill and Allendale. While in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina, she edited the diocesan magazine for 12 years. She was involved in various civic activities as well as book and garden clubs.

Bea and Bill retired to their “little piece of heaven” on Lady’s Island in 1996.

Following the loss of her beloved husband, Bea spent three years at home with her dear friend Lauren Hobbs (“Laurie”) who moved in as constant companion and caregiver. Bea then moved to John Edward Nursing Center in Fairfax, South Carolina, where she resided for a year until her death. She adored her caregivers and took many of the residents under her wing. As she did throughout her beautiful life, she made so many friends there and positively impacted that very special facility that she lovingly referred to as home. On behalf of “Miss Bea,” we thank each of her caregivers for the love and support they shared with her each day.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her brother, David Lee Van Horn, of Lexington, Kentucky. She leaves behind so many loved ones—a true testament to the impact she made on so many.

A memorial service and reception will be held at the Rose home on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to EYC Garden, c/o St. John’s Epsicopal Church, 301 W. Liberty St., Winnsboro, SC 29180; St. John’s Episcopal Church, 301 W. Liberty St., Winnsboro, SC 29180; Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 1512 Blanding St., Columbia, SC 29201; or St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 761, Port Royal, SC 29935.