Rosie Pendleton Bracey

The Epitome of a Dedicated Servant The good people say about one's life is often forgotten, but the good that person did in their lifetime is significant to many generations past, present and those to come. Such is the life of Rosie Bracey, a dedicated educator and servant of the Lord, who labored in His vineyard in the avocational roles He chose for her. A lifelong educator, coach and mentor with more than 40 years in the Isle of Wight County School System, her legacy will be remembered in the thoughtful and compassionate manner in which she shared her devotion to people, through her knowledge, wisdom, gifts of love-especially to all of her students and student-athletes. Loved and respected by those students, players, her colleagues, parents, and friends, she developed a lifetime of relationships with many in the community, as well as in the education community of practice, and her church family. She was true "edu-carer," who worked tirelessly in many capacities in her life calling. She was instrumental in the preparation of the Special Education students for the Special Olympics, as well as chaperoning many school trips. Mrs. Bracey was named Chairman of the Virginia Women's Interscholastic Association, and also served in the curriculum division community. She was founder of the Social Studies Fair, and was also a Girl Scout Teacher. In addition she partnered with the following organizations: TBN, CBN, Operation Blessing, Union Mission, and the Food Bank of Virginia. Rosie was a member of the Little Zion Baptist Church where she served faithfully on the Missions Ministry, the Pastoral Election Committee, and the Christian Education Board. She was the instrumental founder of the Education and Scholarship Committee. She served on the Christian Education Committee and the career Ladder Study Committee. Using her "teacher creative" skills and instinct, she decorated church bulletin boards in keeping with scripture, and also taught arts and crafts during the summer Vacation Bible School. We will always remember the beautiful and meaningful floral arrangements she designed for the J. A. Taylor Multipurpose Building activities, as well as the corsages for the Usher Board Anniversaries. With a spirit of humility, she was a recipient of many honors and accolades. She was recognized for her excellence and contributions to education including awards for 40 years of service in Education, Award for Driver Education, and Plaques for Softball and Basketball. Some of the organizations that have recognized her many contributions are: Isle of Wight Education Teachers Association, Smithfield High School Alumni Association, Isle of Wight County Schools for 25 years' service to schools and community (35 yr. pen), and The Westside High School Class of 1960. As a graduate of Virginia State University, her passion was always to educate and help students be successful in life. She served 42 years in education, including being the Social Studies Department Chairman, member of the textbook adoption committee, and the basketball and softball coach. She was named Packer Pride "Teacher of the Year," an honor that was bestowed on her because of the love and respect she was accorded by her students. Mrs. Bracey was preceded in death by her parents, Hollis and Rosalee Pendleton; her husband, James Bracey, and one brother, Edward, and a sister, Margaret. She leaves to treasure her memory, her stepdaughter, Diane B. Hunter (Chris, Sr.); her sister, Shirley P. Roberts; a grandson, Chris Hunter, Jr. (Debbie); nephews, Stanley Thweatt and Norman Holmes; nieces, Peggy Bruce (James), Mamie Wise, Maxine Hill (Eddie), Gwendolyn (Lafayette) and a host of great nieces, cousins, as well as a "long line" of students who are walking and working in many roles in society. The "much" God gave her in life was returned to many others as required, in her sole and sincere devotion to being a true servant of God and making a difference in the lives of many others. A Celebration of Life service will be held 11am Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Little Zion Baptist Church Smithfield, Va. Viewing will be held Monday, December 18, 2017 from 4-7pm at the chapel. Interment will be in the Baptist Memorial cemetery Smithfield, Va. Professional services are entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.

Burial Date December 19, 2017

A Celebration of Life service will be held 11am Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Little Zion Baptist Church Smithfield, Va. Viewing will be held Monday, December 18, 2017 from 4-7pm at the chapel. Interment will be in the Baptist Memorial cemetery Smithfield, Va. Professional services are entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.