Melba "Rose" Rosalind Austin

Rose was born on March 3, 1944 in Clinton, NC to the late James “Jimmy” Leon Austin and Claire Louise Vann Austin.

Rose attended Clinton High school where she excelled as a student athlete and was selected as a debutante her senior year. She continued her education at Marjorie Webster Junior College in Washington, D.C.

She had a passion for dancing and whether it was White Lake, S.O.S. in Myrtle Beach or functions with friends, you could usually find her on the dance floor. Rose managed junior cotillions at Macgregor Downs in Cary as well as ballroom dancing studios in Raleigh. Rose dedicated her life to raising her family and developed lifelong friendships along the way. Rose attended First Baptist Church in Cary and more recently as a deacon, Bible study leader and faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Raleigh, N.C.. She had an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and proclaimed the good news boldly to those she came in contact with.

Rose is lovingly remembered by her sons, Forde Aley (Sherry) and Austin Aley (Christy); daughter, Leigh Holmes (Lee); brother, Henry “Vann” Austin (Lyn); sister, Deborah Austin; and grandchildren, Preston Aley, Hunter Holmes, Justice Aley, Jack Aley, Savannah Holmes and Banks Aley.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Macedonia Baptist Church off Holly Springs Rd. in Raleigh. The family will receive friends and guests following the service from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family asks for donations to be made in honor of Rose to Macedonia Baptist Church www.mbcnc.org

Condolences can be shared at apexfuneral.net