Rose Marie Stein

Rose Marie Jerry was born on November 4, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, to William Lawrence Jerry Sr. and Brunette Simpson Jerry. She was the youngest of two children, with her older brother, William Lawrence Jerry Jr. (Billy). Following their parents’ divorce, their stepfather, J. Arthur Turner, became an integral part of their lives when they were eight and ten, respectively.

Rose Marie was educated in the Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Northwestern High School in 1947. Upon graduation, she was employed as a receptionist at the Detroit office of the Pittsburgh Courier, where she met Leon Douglas Stein, who would become the love of her life. After a four-year courtship, Rose and Leon were married on August 11, 1956, and went on to celebrate 63 years of marriage. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Michael Alan, and Sylvia Ann. 

Rose had a long and satisfying work career that spanned over 28 years, with time off to be at home with her children. Over the years, she was employed at the Detroit office of the Pittsburgh Courier, Wayne State University, and the Detroit Board of Education, from which she retired as an Adult Basic Education (ABE) teacher in 1995. During her time away from work, Rose was determined to complete her education, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Psychology from Wayne State University (WSU). She also pursued further post-degree studies at WSU and Marygrove College. 

Her home life was devoted to her faith, family, and friends. From an early age, Rose knew she loved God. She was baptized at the age of eleven at Chapel Hill Baptist Church and later joined New Grace Baptist Church. In 1958, she became a member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. Rose and Leon remained faithful and active members for over 60 years, enjoying regular attendance, bible study, and fellowship and service with Group #12 (The Peculiar Ones).

Rose and Leon were both active, sociable, and civic-minded. Rose cherished her friendships and her social and community service organizations. In 1970, Rose became a Charter Member of the Detroit Chapter of Chums, Inc., an organization devoted to bettering communities through social, civic, and cultural activities. Rose was also extremely proud of her over 40 years of active membership in the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an international public service sorority rooted in sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. 

Rose loved to sing and possessed a beautiful soprano voice. She received early training as a teenager at the Detroit Conservatory of Music. A lover of both sacred and classical music, she sang in city chorales, the Delta choir and multiple Tabernacle choirs (including, the Excelsior, Women and Girls, and Cathedral) until her vision conditions prevented her from continuing. In addition to her passion for music, Rose will be remembered for her dedication to all of her pursuits, stylish hats, and dry wit.

After a full and rich life, on August 23, 2024, Rose Marie died peacefully in her sleep. Rose was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leon and devoted son, Michael. She leaves to cherish her memory: dear daughter, Sylvia and son-in-law, Algie Richard Hill Jr.; beloved grandchildren, Faithe Hill and Kyle Hill; extended family Kevin Adams and Renee Adams, 

Sharon Steen and Robert Wonsley, Cynthia Hill, Beatrice Slack; dearest friend and Soror, Mary Fritz; and dedicated “God Children,” Elaine and George Read and Reginald Thomas. The family also wishes to express their gratitude to the devoted home healthcare team and therapists who provided Rose with caring assistance, companionship and respect in this last year of her life.

Rose was a woman of substance, strength, and dedication, who touched the lives of many in her 94 years of life. She will be deeply missed.