On July 25, 2018, Rose Meena Karam went home to be with the Lord she deeply loved. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband George Charles Karam, her parents, M.W. and Matilda Meena, her brother Fritz and her sister-in-law Rose Karam Michael and her husband Edward. Rose had three great loves in her life: her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her love for her family and friends, and her love for serving God in whatever ministries He prepared for her to do. Rose’s family includes her children Jessie K. Morrow (husband Steve) of Mohegan Lake, New York, Martha Karam of Williamsburg, Sandi Karam of Newport News and Shug Karam of Bear, Delaware as well as her grandchildren Heidi Sirinides (Dan) of Kinnelon, New Jersey and David Morrow (Jenn) of Newark, Delaware. God allowed Rose to share in the lives of her four great-grandchildren: Abigail and Hope Sirinides and Joshua and Luke Morrow. Rose loved her brother Jim Meena and his wife Cecelia, along with their two children, Roxanne Fetterhoff (Bob) and Bill Meena (Lynne) and families. Her cousins Eva Mina and Victoria Millar reminded Rose of their shared childhood experiences growing up in downtown Newport News to Lebanese immigrants. All these relationships were gifts from God to enrich Rose’s life.
Rose accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior when she was 12 years of age. As a young teen, she shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with other children through Child Evangelism classes. Rose was very active in women’s ministries at both Bethany Gospel Chapel in Newport News and the Williamsburg Community Chapel where she was a long time member. Rose and George were married in 1944 and worked together in establishing the Virginia Realty Company of Newport News. She worked as the company’s bookkeeper and executive secretary until George’s death in 1973. Rose later worked with two steering committees in Newport News in bringing the Christian Women’s Club and Community Bible Study to the Peninsula. She had a heart for mentoring young mothers in both the study of God’s Word and in developing practical skills in parenting and hospitality. Rose loved to study the Bible and was a gifted teacher.
Many folks have come along side our family during Rose’s final years. We are so grateful for the Visiting Angels of Newport News who provided loving care and comfort for Mom’s needs. A special thanks goes out to another friend and caregiver, Pat Campbell who worked with Mom for over 2 ½ years and became part of her family. Friends at Mama Steve’s House of Pancakes and the Grecian Plate Restaurant in Williamsburg showed special kindness and love to Rose and her family. Even with her declining health, Rose loved sharing Jesus Christ. She was truly a “people person” who showed hospitality and graciousness by sharing whatever gifts God had given to her. Her legacy to her family and those friends whom she loved is her faith in the God who was always faithful to her. To God be all the glory for Who He is and for all that He has done in and through His dear child Rose. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Welcome HOME!
Family visitation will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23188 on Monday July 30, between 6:30 – 8:00 pm. The Celebration of Life service will be held at the Williamsburg Community Chapel, 3899 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 on Tuesday, July 31 at 3:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Bible Study, 790 Stout Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 or the Williamsburg Community Chapel.
