Obituary of Rosa Ann Nash

Rosa Ann Doub Nash September 15, 1914 to March 8, 2015 Rosa Ann Doub Nash, who was officially 100 at the time of her death, while the family celebrates her life as 102. She was residing in Murfreesboro, TN, when she was called to heaven. She passed very peacefully in the presence of Millie, her daughter, who had just read aloud her prayer cards. Rosa was born in Sabana Grande, Honduras on September 15, 1914. She was the daughter of Fletcher Harris Doub of Greensboro, North Carolina and Susan Motino Doub. She was the second child with six siblings to follow. Rosa always had the best stories. Going all the way back to her first cruise at 6 and seeing Jello to traveling across the United States in a Model T Ford and the Great Hurricane of 1928. She graduated from Labelle High School in 1931 as Valedictorian. Rosa earned a Scholarship to Florida State College for Women and received a BS in Education in 1935. Rosa taught school in Belle Glade, FL until the war started. She was offered a job in the Post Office where she was hired as a clerk and rose to become the Postmaster, having been appointed by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. She stayed with the Post Office in Belle Glade for over 30 years. Rosa became profoundly deaf around the age of 50 from Meniere's disease a rare condition which she had in both ears. She was still working in the Post Office at the time but was able to adjust to this condition. Just prior to retirement she was offered a job to teach at the newly built elementary school for exceptional children with the caveat she would have to return to college and obtain a Master's degree. Being deaf, classmates would help by sharing their notes with her. In1975 she obtained a Master's degree in Education from the University of Miami. Her new job at the Center for Exceptional Children at Gove Elementary included teaching a class for the deaf children of the community. The children were a joy to work with, and for 11 years they were the true love of her two careers. Rosa was active in the Belle Glade community in several organizations, namely Beta Sigma Phi and The Business and Professional Women's Club. She attended Saint Philip Benizi Catholic Church where she kept up the vestments for many years. In 1971 and 1972 she was named Citizen of the Year by Belle Glade Jaycees. In 1983 Rosa moved to Nashville, TN. to be near her daughter Millie. She bought a house and she worked for a short while as a teacher assistant. She became active in the Brandywine Women's Club of Old Hickory, TN. In 1997, at age 84, Rosa was designated Mrs. Senior Beauty by the Donelson/Hermitage Chamber of Commerce. Her speech to that endeavor was completely charming and certainly worthy of the title. In 2004, Rosa moved back to Florida along with Millie and her husband John. In 2006 the Labelle Chamber of Commerce for the annual Swamp Cabbage Festival recognized the Doub Family as the Pioneer Family of the year. There is a parade every year and Rosa was so proud to sit on a float along with other family members. Rosa is survived by her daughter, Millicent Nash Vilmerding of Murfreesboro, TN, two Granddaughters, Melissa Nash of West Palm Beach, FL and Maria Vilmerding of Murfreesboro, TN and two great granddaughters, Amina Moore and Laila Moore of Murfreesboro, TN, two sisters Carmella Mayton of Alamagorda, NM and Julia Chappell of Jupiter, FL one brother, Johnny Doub of LaBelle, FL as well as many neices, nephews and loving extended Vilmerding family. Rosa was preceded in death by 4 siblings, her son Lawrence H. Nash, Jr. , son-in-law, grandson, and granddaughter. The pain of these losses is tempered by the gain granddaughters, great grandchildren and 9 great, great grandchildren. She also has 14 nieces and nephews. Rosa loved her entire blended family as they were hers naturally. Services will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle, Florida with visitation starting at 10:00 am