Eileen J. Rose

Eileen J. Rose, 93, of Johnson City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 18, 2015 at NHC Healthcare. Eileen was the daughter of the late E.E. Kilby and Blanche Kilby. She was one of ten children. Eileen was a lifelong resident of Johnson City, where she married and raised her family. She was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church for over fifty years where she attended faithfully until her health failed. Many will remember her as the crossing guard at Northside Elementary School, where she worked for over 20 years. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the hearts of many, who even now are influenced by her nurturing love and her strong faith. Eileen wanted her memory to be an afterglow of happy times and smiles. Her gift of joy will never be forgotten. In addition to her parents, Eileen was preceded in death by her only son, Michael D. Rose, her husband, Melvin D. Rose, one sister and four brothers. Survivors include her four daughters, Judy Harwood and her husband David, Dean Neal and her husband Kenneth, Kathy Hughes and her husband Bill, and Amy Gillespie and her husband Alphonzo; one sister, Carolyn Hodge; and three brothers, Bob Kilby, Ronnie Kilby, and Larry Kilby. She had fourteen grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Eileen requested a private family funeral service and burial. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her and all of those who sent condolences and prayers. A very special thank you goes to America and Comfort at NHC for taking such good care of our mom.