Rosanna Gillespie Wise

Rosanna "Rosie" Gillespie Wise passed peacefully at Sunrise Assisted Living on December 21, 2018. She was born on December 30, 1919 in Churchland, North Carolina, the daughter of James R Gillespie and Janie Gillespie. After high school she attended Anderson Junior College and received an Associate's degree. She followed that with a registered nursing degree from Baptist Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. She never wanted to do anything but be a nurse, and all her patients absolutely loved her. The advent of WWII lead her to enlist as a Navy nurse and officer. It was through that she met Leon Wise, a Navy Lieutenant at Charleston Naval Base, and soon after became engaged. Because Leon was on a Navy destroyer and out at sea, most of their early relationship was long distance through many love letters that they saved and treasured. They were married on August 6, 1944 and enjoyed a long and happy marriage for over 63 years. The last few years they were members of First Baptist Church, Buford, and in the past were instrumental in the Alliance Church plant in their hometown of Perrysburg, Ohio. Upon moving to Atlanta they became very involved in Lilburn Alliance Church and First Baptist Church Atlanta. Rosie and Leon were passionate about serving their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and it influenced every detail of their well lived lives. Whether at home with family, at church, or in their business and community, Christ always came first. Rosie taught many Sunday School classes, played piano, and taught neighborhood Bible classes. They also served as deacons and deaconesses and on the board at Toccoa Falls Bible College. While at home, Rosie was a avid reader, blazing through at least two books a week. She also had quite the green thumb, especially when it came to her rose garden. In the kitchen she was known to bake incredible pies, and she was always happy to fix up anything for visiting family members. No one went hungry in the Wise home and after dinner games of Skip-Bo or Uno were a regular occurrence. Family and friends alike will attest to Rosie and Leon's generosity. Whether it was Sunday dinner or financial aid, they truly enjoyed that part of their lives. Many have happy memories of what they did for them on a personal level. Having lost Leon 10 years ago, Rosie is now survived and lovingly missed by her son, Paul C. Wise (Carol) and daughters, Janie R. Buffington, and Martha L. Stone; grandchildren, Carey Wise (Chris), Sarah Syswerda (Kevin), Aubrey Goodell, Chadwick Stone (Danielle), Steven Buffington, three great grandsons and their three great granddaughters. Rosie is also survived by five sisters, Libby Love Julian, Mary Kate Word, Martha Lowe, Naomi Burdeen, Lydia Griffen and Lois Brecht. The family is united in rejoicing that Rosie and Leon are together again for eternity. What the world has lost, heaven has gained. Those wishing to honor Rosie with charitable contributions are asked to consider First Baptist Church, Buford, Georgia or to the family to offset expenses. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Gwinnett Memorial Park, Lawrenceville, GA with Rev. Bruce W. Bliss officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home.