Rose Mae Gantt

Rose Mae Gantt (née Perrie) was born May 5th, 1934, to Bessie Arrington and Lonnie Perrie in Nashville, North Carolina, near Rocky Mount. She fell asleep in death on May 3rd, 2023, two days short of her 89th birthday. She was preceded in death by her sister, Emma Williams, and brother, Joseph Pervis, daughter, Theresa Gantt Mark, daughter, Marilyn Gantt Lewis, and son, George Michael Gantt. She is survived by her husband, George Gantt, children Calvin, Melvin, and Kenneth Wilder, Barbara Brown and Allison Gantt, as well as many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

She was raised by her mother and step-father, Joseph "Papa Joe" Pervis. Papa Joe adored Rose, and it was said that he "thought the sun rose and set on her". Rose married Calvin Young Wilder at the age of 16. Soon she gave birth to twins, sons Calvin and Melvin, and ten years later, her son Kenneth. She would send the boys back to North Carolina for the summers to visit her parents. Later she divorced Calvin and raised her 3 boys by finding employment at the Port Authority in New York City.

At a party she met George Gantt, who she described as "one of those intellectual types" who was standing in the corner with a drink in his hand. Rose married George in Brooklyn, New York, on November 11, 1969. With Rose's three boys and George's five children, the Gantts enjoyed a large, blended family.

They soon started a dry-cleaning business in Brooklyn, and later expanded to Queens. The Gantts overcame many hardships during their time as small business owners, and were able to successfully provide for the needs of their family.

Rose came into contact with Rose and Norman Perry through a relative, Ruth Alford, in the early 1970s because she wanted her children to learn about spiritual things. This would begin a friendship that would last a lifetime. Rose would listen in on the Bible studies while keeping herself busy in the kitchen, and her children would share with her what they learned. Soon Rose had a Bible study for herself, and became baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on October 13, 1973. Years later, George joined her.

George and Rose wanted to expand their ministry and enjoy the slower pace of the South. In 1986, despite the advice of their financial advisor, they sold their business and retired early to serve as full-time ministers in Hope Mills, North Carolina. Those who knew Rose knew she loved to talk. She loved preaching to her neighbors about the "good news of the Kingdom", and would go on to have a share in the ministry full-time for several decades.

Rose had a beautiful smile that would light up the room. Her fast-paced, animated story-telling would provide hours of entertainment. She loved to dance, and you would often find her dancing at gatherings, and even at home in the living room. She was known for her excellent cooking and warm hospitality. She would often have many friends and family over to her home to share their experiences and build one another up. She was a loving mother to her children and grandchildren, and always provided a listening ear. She was an especially devoted wife to her husband George. They enjoyed over 53 years together, making memories, enjoying themselves, encouraging others, and serving their God Jehovah.

The family would like to thank everyone for their loving support and encouragement. A special thanks to the caregivers for the hard work and love shown toward Rose. We look forward to seeing Rose again soon.

A memorial service for Rose will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 3265 Cumberland Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306.

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