Denise Anita Rounsefell

Denise Anita Rounsefell, 88, of Cordova, passed away peacefully in her home on February 14, 2025, while surrounded by loved ones. She was born June 22, 1936, in London, England to John and May McCarthy. Anita spent the early years of her life escaping the bombing of London during WWII as a child evacuee. Upon returning to London several years later, Anita completed her education and worked at the lovely Fortnum and Mason, a shop favored by Queen Elizabeth.

It was during this time that Anita met her husband, Robert (Bob) Rounsefell, after he spotted her in Piccadilly Circus while on his first tour with the U.S. Army in England. They married shortly after and she began her role as a soldier’s wife, supporting him throughout that career. Much to their four children’s delight, Anita was able to stay at home full-time, fostering a nurturing atmosphere and maintaining a happy, beautiful home while refining her superb international culinary skills. Her strength of character was especially evident in how she kept calm and normality in the lives of their children, especially as their father served in Vietnam and elsewhere throughout the world.

Bob’s second career with the Knights of Columbus brought the couple to Cordova nearly 48 years ago. Together they were founding members of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, where they were very active. Anita was an avid reader, and she and Bob enjoyed traveling extensively over the course of their 66 years together. She was a longtime member of the British Wives Club, serving for a time on the board for the state of Tennessee.

Anita was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her four children: Karen (James) Dixon of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Christopher (Christine) Rounsefell of Fenton, Missouri; Jacqueline (Kirk) Kilpatrick of Germantown, Tennessee; and Elizabeth (Richard) Exley of Cordova, Tennessee. Anita leaves 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Her brother, Michael (Sue) McCarthy, a niece, and a nephew, all of England, also survive her.

Anita always demonstrated gracious hospitality. Guests were sure to feel welcomed by her warm personality while delighting in her culinary masterpieces. She was a joy to be around and treated everyone around her with kindness and respect. Her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be missed dearly, but her memory will forever remain a blessing to those who loved her.