Rosemary Y. Wattson

Rosemary “Rose” Yvonne Wattson was born on June 10, 1959 to the late Alberta Hines and Willie Frances Burke in Norfolk, Virginia. Rose was summoned to eternal rest while at Sentara Leigh Hospital after a courageous fight battling multiple illnesses.

Rose grew up in the Oakwood section of Norview where she attended Norview High School. As a child, Rose joined the Norfolk Seventh-Day Adventist Church and was a faithful, loyal member even during her illness. Rose did not let her physical condition deter her from enjoying life. She was the best grandmother to her grandchildren. She loved her grandchildren unconditionally especially her “Pistol Gun” LaDarius, who did no wrong in her eyes.

Rose was a great friend to many, and never treated anyone like a stranger. She is best known for her unique personality, her love for cooking and her love for music. If you asked anyone to describe her, they would say she said what she felt and was unapologetic about it but, it was always done with pure love. She was a loving mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Rose will be missed forever.

Rose is preceded in death by a grandson, Kelly C. Bishop; sister, Nancy Burke; and brothers, Langford Burke, Aceton Burke, Willie Burke Jr., and James Burke.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory a daughter, LaToya D. Burke MSN, FNP-C, CMSRN whom she was extremely proud of; two sons, whom she adored and who could do no wrong in her eyes, Antonio D. Burke (Andrea), and Anthony D. Burke (Chakina); five granddaughters, Jahmiyah D. Burke, LaKaila D. Burke, Malaysia Thornton, Antania Owens, and Ahnesty Burke; four grandsons, Cam’ron Z. Young, Tyriq D. Burke, LaDarius D. Burke, and Anthony D. Burke Jr.; three great grandchildren, Cam’ron Williams, Ma’Layna Young, and Casheon Young; four sisters, Frances Pettus, Brenda Wilson, Cora Moody, and Martha Goode (Dundra) of Georgia; two brothers, Glover Hines and Gregory Burke (Claudette) of North Carolina; a special grandson, LaMontrel Bishop; a dear friend, Nelson Jones; a special daughter-in-law, Kijuana Burke; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rose was blessed in her final two years of life with an exceptional personal care aide Catina Jones. Catina was a true blessing from God. Not only was she Rose’s caregiver; she was her friend and Rose loved her unconditionally. Rose loved the ground in which Catina walked and vice versa. As she would say, “My daughter from another mother.”