Obituary of Rose Holbert

Rose Marilyn (Bussey) Holbert aged  (82) of Bristow, Virginia went to be with the Lord on July 26th, 2023. Rose was born on January 14th, 1941.  She was the second daughter of Rev. Dr. John D. Bussey and Katie V. Bussey, both who preceded her in death.

As a child, Rose accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior while attending Little Zion Baptist Church in Burke, Virginia. She later joined Bethesda Baptist Church in 1954 when her father became pastor. 

From a young age Rose was determined to live her life for Christ. Singing had always been one of Rose’s gifts.  It was a way in which she was able to communicate with her Lord as well as share this gift with others and the church family. Throughout the years she was a member of multiple choirs. She served as an advisor to the Children’s Choir and a faithful member of the Youth Choir, Young People's Choir, Senior Choir and Vacation Relief Choir.

As a young adult, Rose served as a teacher in Sunday School, Bible Training Union, and Vacation Bible School.  In addition, she was a member of the 66 Books of the Bible Club within the Baptist Training Union. One of the highlights of her Christian service was when she was able to wear her white attire or black suit with a crisp white blouse as she served on the Deaconess Board.

While living in Washington DC, Rose faithfully and fearlessly demonstrated her faith, even in her own neighborhood.  She would visit the neighborhood teens when they were at ill at home or in the hospital and share her faith with them. If she saw a group of children or vagrant young people on any corner, (though we were concerned for her safety and ours) she would always try to stop and share the gospel. During the summer she would host her own in-home Vacation Bible School for neighborhood children as well. Rose would go door to door passing out tracks during the summer months. She was truly a courageous warrior and follower of Christ.

During her spare time, Rose loved to take care of her garden. In her later years she moved to Virginia and into an assisted living facility where she enjoyed playing BINGO and telling all the residents about Jesus. 

As Rose’s health continued to decline, on occasion she would be admitted into the hospital. While there she could be heard singing hymns “LOUDLY” from her room. So much so that the nurses would have to call her daughter to come up to the hospital to tell her mom to “please quiet her singing.” Rose left her mark wherever she went.  

She was a wonderful, Wife, Mom, Sister, Nana, Ahana, Aunt, Grandma, Sister-in law, and Friend.

On July 16th, 1960, Rose married Willie Dewitt Holbert II.  They were happily married for 47 years before Willie died in 2007.  Together they had a daughter Crystal and a son Willie.

Rose graduated from Eastern High School and went on to further her education at various educational institutions. She loyally worked at the Interstate Commerce Commission as a Tariff Examiner for over twenty years, until her retirement.

Rose is survived by her two children, Crystal Murray (spouse Demarcus) and Demarcus Murray Jr (spouse Katie), Lauren Murray (daughter London), Willie Holbert III, (fiancée Laurie) has six children. Delavonta Gregory (spouse Travis), Corey Araujo (spouse Dawn), Taylor Holbert, Christopher Cosby (spouse Nicole), Victoria Green (spouse Braden), and Willie Holbert IV.  She is also survived by twelve grandchildren with her 13th grandchild expected in November.  In addition, she is survived by three sisters, Shirley Young, Ruth Whiley, Victoria Burnett and three nephews, John Young, Cedric Young and Brandon Burnett.

Rose leaves to cherish her memory, a host of beloved family members, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends.  We thank the Lord for loaning Rose to us for a while.

To God Be the Glory!

….the LORD gave and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.   Job 1:21