To the cherished friends and family of Deborah Laverne Brown Rose,

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Deborah Laverne Brown Rose, who departed this life on August 22, 2025, at the age of 77, after a lengthy illness. She was residing at the Lucy Corr Rehabilitation Center in Chesterfield, Virginia, at the time of her passing.

Born in Havre de Grace, Harford County, Maryland, Deborah was lovingly raised by her parents, Vernon Washington Brown, Sr. and Agnes Griffin Brown, alongside her two brothers, Vernon Washington Brown, II and Orlando Walter Brown, Sr.

In 1983, Deborah married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Gregory Rose, at Union Methodist Church Swan Creek in Aberdeen, Maryland, affectionately known as "Swan Creek." Their adventurous military life together led them to numerous countries and ports around the world, including a memorable three-year residence in Germany while Bob was stationed there during his distinguished career as an officer in the United States Army.

Deborah received her education through the Harford County Public School System, attending Havre de Grace Consolidated High School before graduating from Aberdeen High School in 1966. Her passion for education continued throughout her life. She earned an associate's degree in Business Management from Harford Community College in 1969, and later, while residing in Germany, she attended the University of Maryland Global Campus, graduating in 1986 with a degree in Business Management.

Deborah dedicated her career to collegiate education, holding positions in the Admissions Department at Harford Community College in Bel Air, Maryland, and Richard Bland College in Petersburg, Virginia. She ultimately achieved her dream job as Registrar for John Tyler Community College in Chesterfield, Virginia, before retiring in 2008 due to illness. During her tenure, Deborah was recognized for her exceptional work ethic and dedication to those she served.

Beyond her professional life, Deborah enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including gardening, reading, collecting books, traveling with Bob, and spending time with family and friends. She was a lifelong health and fitness enthusiast, taking great pride in her membership with Weight Watchers and engaging in physical activities. Deborah also selflessly volunteered for the American Heart Association while living in Petersburg, Virginia.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon Washington Brown, Sr. and Agnes Griffin Brown; her brother, Orlando Walter Brown, Sr.; and her nephew, Vernon Washington Brown, III. She is survived by her devoted brother, Vernon Washington Brown, II (Mary) of Woodstock, Maryland, and leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews: Orlando Walter Brown, Jr., Elliott Alexander Brown, and Siara-Lauren Rose Brown of New York, Jensine Marie Brown of Miami, Florida; and Samuel Zachary Brown of San Diego, California. Deborah is also mourned by her devoted friend, caregiver, and companion of over 16 years, Marvette McKensie of Chesterfield, Virginia.

Lovingly submitted, The Family of Deborah Laverne Brown Rose

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Thursday, September 11, 2025, at National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA, the Rev. Edward L. Fox III, eulogist.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.