Joy Rose

Memorial Slide Show

In Loving Memory of Wanda Joy Rose

Winnsboro, TX – Wanda Joy Rose, known simply as “Joy” to most and “Nannie” to her favorites, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, at the age of 83. Born June 25, 1942, in Winnsboro, she was the spirited daughter of Willie B. Suiter and Mattie Lou Medders Suiter.

Joy lived up to her name — mostly. She was equal parts warmth and sass, with a salty spirit that kept everyone on their toes and a sense of humor that never quit. She didn’t sugarcoat a thing (except maybe her famous popcorn balls), and we loved her all the more for it.

Joy married the love of her life, Gene Rose, on June 11, 1976. They shared nearly 49 years of laughter, love, and a life side by side before Gene’s passing in March of this year.

Joy was a talented homemaker and loving mother, building a home where love ran deep, faith stood strong, and traditions were passed down with pride. As a long time member of First Baptist Church of Pickton, she faithfully played piano, sharing her love of music with her church family. She had a creative streak and a green thumb, finding joy in gardening, painting, canning, and cooking — and if you were lucky, you left her house with something homemade in your hands. Her popcorn balls were legendary, and no Halloween was complete without them.

She leaves behind her daughters, Shannon Brewer and Krista Peterson and her husband, Maurice; step-son, Roger Rose and his wife, Roberta; step-daughter, Jennifer Rock; sisters, Sue Mosley and Billie Cooper; as well as grandchildren, Katie Kinworthy and her husband, Chris; Amanda Sharber and her husband, Ryan; Beth Western and her husband, Brian; Kelby Galloway, Sara Rose, Brady Rose and his wife, Kaylan, Cassidy Rose and Brinley Rock; great-grandchildren, Kyler Kinworthy, Sailee Kinworthy, Liam Sharber and Bennet Western. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene Rose, and her son-in-law, Bo Brewer.

Joy was bold, funny, creative, and loyal — the kind of woman who told it like it was and loved with her whole heart. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, unforgettable flavor, and memories to last a lifetime.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Reflections Hospice and Caraday Nursing Home, of Mineola.