Mary Wanda Rose Jones, 90, of Freeport, FL, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at home. She was born November 6, 1929 in Davy, WV and is the daughter of the late Edgar Bernie Rose and Margaret Thelma Morgan Rose. She is preceded in death by her brother Edgar Stanley (Goldie) Rose.
In her younger years, she was always called by her given name of ‘Mary Wanda’ however later in life, because of her favorite pet phrase “for Pete Sake”, she earned the loving nickname of ‘Pete’ to many close friends.
Wanda’s artist ability, gypsy spirit and quest for knowledge opened the path to live in six different states during her lifetime and allowed her to embark on successful careers and licensing which included West Virginia hairstylist, Pennsylvania historical tour guide and an Illinois nursing home activity director, to name a few.
Wanda’s deep rooted Christian faith carried her through several difficult times. She and her family survived a devastating regional flash flood in 1950 which washed away her family’s home. She also survived two life-threatening types of cancers in her later years. Through it all, she never gave up hope that she would find that perfect pair of shoes in size 9 ½ narrow.
She is survived by her daughters Linda Jones Murphy and Natalie Jones Rozany, granddaughter Sarah Rozany, niece Sheri (Tim) Huffman and nephews Michael Rose, Jeff (Kim) Rose plus several first and second cousins and great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her nephew Joseph (Susan) Rose.
