Rose J'Neane Bolick

Rose J’Neane was born on December 9, 1935 in Greensboro, North Carolina to parents Ardis Head and Marvin Edwards. As early as 21-months-old, she was carrying on conversations. She graduated from Greensboro High School and was active throughout her teen years, teaming up with her best friends and visiting and singing to Polio patients. She attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she receieved a B.S. in Home Economics, a minor in Communications, followed by a Masters in Counseling.

One of her first jobs was with the Greensboro Police Department, where she served as secretary to Chief Calhoun. Notably, she witnessed the Woolworth sit-ins from the Chief’s office. “Let them sit. Everyone needs to eat,” Chief Calhoun said.

Her professional experience was vast and included positions as Administrative Assistant to the President of Gordon A. Friesen Associates in Washington D.C., Director of Workforce Development in Orange County, and various positions in the Education system in Caldwell County.

She seemed to always bring out the best in people without being judgmental and would often say, “there is good in everyone I meet.”

Loved by her students and admired by fellow teachers, Rose worked tirelessly to be the most supportive teacher possible. Her commitment to applying for federal grants allowed her to teach students in new and exciting ways through myriads of field trips and countless special projects. She even helped one of her students practice for and pass his driving test.

Her dedication to her students always went far above and beyond what was required, and her care for people extended beyond the classroom and overflowed into everything she did. Additionally, she was extremely active in getting out the vote and was even invited to meet Michelle Obama.

Rose and her husband, Sonny, were quite involved in their church congregations. She was a leader and promoter of their seminary auxiliary to the churches throughout the Southeast. Rose was even inspired to place a mosaic of the Luther Coat of Arms next to the walking path at Mt. Olive Church.

She was always coming up with innovative ideas to make her mark in school, in church, and in her community.

Overflowing hospitality came naturally to her. She never met a stranger and could converse on a variety of subjects. She kept an open door for guests and always ensured they had the best seat in the house with a coveted view and a drink to sip on.

Her smile, which could light up a room, combined with her patented laugh and comments such as “for garden seed,” or “okey dokey,” could easily cheer up anyone.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Marvin Edwards, Jr..

She is survived by her devoted husband, The Rev. Dr. Ernest (Sonny) Bolick, a marriage of 51 years, one daughter, Maria Katibah and her husband, Dr. William G. Katibah (Huntersville, NC), and five grandchildren : Kristen Katibah (Indianapolis, IN), Hope Katibah (Charlotte, NC), David Katibah (Washington, D.C.), Meredith Katibah (Brooklyn, NY), Matthew Katibah and his wife Sydney (Charlotte, NC).

Rose and Sonny were actively involved in their grandchildren’s lives and attended their plays, concerts, graduations, and other celebrations, including special trips to Disney World.

She knew the rewards that came from the appreciation and care of one another -- even in the darkest of changing times. She firmly believed that we are not alone, that all of us are dependent upon one another during good and bad times and that we should constantly proclaim the Lord’s love.

Rose’s life was a prime example of how one loving person can have a great influence on a community. What a beautiful legacy!

Donations may be made in her honor to Lutheran Disaster Relief, Mt. Olive Ministry Foundation, and Carolina Caring : Hospice and Palliative Care.

A special thanks to Penny Lineberger, Karen Pheonix, Nina Vogel and her son, Nalakai, Marguerite Watkins, and Janie Mast.

The Celebration of Life service for Rose Bolick will be held on Sunday, October 20th at 3 p.m. at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church located at 2780 N. Center Street, Hickory, NC 28601. The service will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Ryan T. Ray and Rev. Tony Bradshaw. The service will also be streamed online through a link at mtolutheran.org

Receiving to follow the service in the Fellowship Hall. Arrangements by Hickory Funeral Home.