Rose Marie Rushin

Rose Marie Rushin, nee Ellington, was born in Birmingham Alabama to Joanna and Henry T. Ellington on April 27, 1928. She was the oldest of her siblings, Anna Ellington, Henrene Ellington and Eric Ellington. She excelled in her studies and graduated from Parker High School at the age of 14. While in high school, Rose Marie played piano and the accordion. Piano was her favorite.

After graduating from high school, Rose Marie attended Talladega College in Talladega Alabama where she studied piano. After a year and a half, her piano teacher told her mother that he had taught her everything he knew. Rose then went on to Oberlin University in Ohio where, being her industrious self, she formed a band that played at local parties on campus to earn extra money.

Rose Marie then graduated from Oberlin. Prior to graduating she earned an all expenses paid fellowship to study piano with the grand masters of Europe in Czechoslovakia. In following her tradition of academic excellence, she continued her education at the University of Columbia in New York, where she obtained a masters’ degree. A few years, later she earned a graduate degree from the University of Washington, San Jose State and Stanford University.

Rose Marie married Lester Rushin Jr., also of Birmingham Alabama. Their union produced two children, Lester III and JoAndrea. Her marriage took her to Hawaii with her husband and then to Seattle, Washington. She taught music in the Seattle Public Schools. While there she earned her masters degree from the University of Washington, in performance.

In 1964, Rose Marie moved to San Mateo, California to accept a fellowship to Stanford University where she earned her master’s degree in French. Upon graduation, she accepted a position in the San Jose Unified School District in San Jose, CA where she taught music. With an eye towards advancement, Rose Marie attended San Jose State University where she earned a master’s degree in School Administration. It was while living in San Jose that her children graduated from high school and went on to college. While in San Jose, Rose Marie performed with well known jazz artist trumpeter Eddie Gale, a Stanford visiting fellow.

Rose Marie attended 16th Street Baptist Church while growing up and later became a member of the United Church Of Christ where she gave her life to the Lord. She lived her life according to the dictates of her religion. Rose Marie was a faithful member, supporter, and worker in her church. She was a member of First Congregational church in San Jose and United Church of Huntsville, Alabama. She attended many United Church of Christ national conventions. She was a member of the Organist Guild of America and played the organ in her church. She enjoyed playing music with her sister.

Rose Marie was an avid bridge player and was even willing to teach the game to anyone that wanted to learn. She once won first place in at least one bridge tournament. She also enjoyed bowling and once won a second place trophy in league play. She also enjoyed snow skiing and took her children skiing on the weekends while in Washington. She enjoyed teaching and the students she taught.

Rose Marie being an excellent pianist was inducted to the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in 1988. She blessed many by her playing. She received effusive praise from her friends and contemporaries. She was well received by those she met.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters in her immediate family. She leaves to mourn her son, daughter and grandchildren, April Rose Dillon (Paul), Dr. Leah Jennelle Rushin and Lester Ezell Rushin IV.

A visitation for Rose will be held Tuesday, November 1, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel, 800 Dennison Ave Sw, Birmingham, AL 35211, followed by a Celebration of Life Service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Rushin family.