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Born Dec. 6, 1959 in Mocksville to William Calvin Ijames and Vertie Mae Coulter Ijames, Marjolene Ijames Rose died on July 21, 2024.

She was the last of three siblings. She attended Mocksville Elementary School, and graduated from Davie High School (1978). She worked as a dental assistant through high school and after graduation earned a nursing degree from Forsyth Technical College (1985).

Marjolene married Whaid Guscott Rose and joined him in pastoral ministry in New York City. She quickly adapted to the big city, where their children – Arvella Elizabeth and William Nathaniel Simpson (Nathan) were born.

After returning to NC 1990 -1994 to lead the Newton Church, Marjolene and her husband answered a call to serve the church in Colorado, where for a combined 23 years they served the local church and the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day), US and Canada, with ministry to churches around the world. Her favorite niche was her children’s church ministry. Marjolene described her Colorado years as the most fulfilled and meaningful chapter of her life. She practiced hospital and school nursing, working for 11 years at a charter school in the Adams County Schools.

Since returning to NC in 2017, Marjolene devoted herself to caring for her parents, serving the church alongside her husband, and making her house a home to everyone, all the while relishing the sweetness of God’s Word through her passionate involvement with Bible Study Fellowship.

Marjolene was incredibly talented. While most widely-known for her angelic voice, she enjoyed playing the piano. She was a devoted teacher of the Word (particularly to children at church), and an avid gardener. Marjolene loved cooking, crocheting, sewing, cross-stitching, biking and almost anything that involved nature. Despite the pain and loss, we celebrate Marjolene’s life of 64+ years. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a sweet spirit that drew everyone to her.

Marjolene’s recent passing ended her 14-month battle with breast cancer. She was preceded in death by: her oldest brother (Jeffrey); her grandparents, (Ivan & Marjorie Ijames; a nephew (Matthew); and her father (Calvin).

Marjolene is survived by: her husband of 38 years (Whaid), daughter (Arvella), and son (Nathan), whose wife (Monica) will soon give birth to Marjolene’s first grandchild. She also leaves behind her 89-year-old mother (Vertie Mae) who was precious to her; a brother, Steve (Rachel); parental in-laws (Esban & Mavis Rose); sister-in-law, Oveta (Oral); brother-in-law, Norval; nieces & nephews; and many other relatives.

Marjolene passed from this life peacefully at Novant Medical Center in Huntersville just before sunset on Sunday evening, July 21, surrounded by much outpouring of love and affection and a beautiful rainbow in the sky above the hospital! Marjolene was loved and appreciated by so many here and around the world, but Jesus loved her most, so He gave her a great big “rainbow smile” as she slipped into His presence where “… there is fullness of joy; at His right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11).

[Lovingly submitted by her husband and children.]

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Artios Christian College through the Church of God Seventh Day at PO Box 33677, Denver, CO 80233; or to the American Cancer Society.

A Celebration of Life Service will be be held at Unity Presbyterian Church at 8210 Unity Church Road, Denver, NC 28037 on Thursday, Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. A livestream recording of the service will be provided on the Newton Church of God Seventh Day YouTube Channel.

James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.