Rose Mary Dempsey Williams

Rose Mary Dempsey Williams was born June 27, 1950, in Alexandria, Louisiana. She was the oldest of five children born to the union of Louis Dempsey Sr. and Daisy Lee Hayes Dempsey. As the oldest, she was held responsible for whatever trouble her siblings and cousins caused. Rose was baptized at an early age by the late Rev. Howard Williams at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church in Alexandria, Louisiana. She attended Peabody High School in Alexandria, Louisiana and was a proud member of the Peabody High School Warhorses 100 Marching Band where she played the clarinet. After graduating from Peabody High School in 1968, she enrolled in the Dillard University School of Nursing Program in New Orleans, Louisiana from which she graduated in 1972. After graduation, she married her one and only love Arthur Williams Jr. and began her nursing career. Three years later, she gave birth to a beautiful daughter “Kimberly Tashawn Williams” and eighteen months later a handsome son ”Arthur Williams III.” Her husband Arthur was her number one chef serving her cuisine fit for royalty. Rose’s entire professional nursing career took place in New Orleans, Louisiana at Charity Hospital where she spent 10 years; at Hotel Dieu Hospital, a private hospital owned and managed by the Daughters of Charity; and finally at University Hospital which was renamed Medical Center of Louisiana. During her nursing career, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and was an inpatient Section Manager of the Oncology Unit. Rose was a faithful member of the Household of Faith Worship Church International and served on the usher ministry. She loved her church and her pastor and his wife, Rev Antoine Barriere and 1st Lady Dale Barriere. Rose said when she first began her cancer journey, Pastor Barriere gave her some scriptures to read and study. During this season, Rose showed her strong faith in the Lord. She believed God for her healing, but at the same time understood her future was in God’s hands. To the very end, she kept her faith in the Lord. After 43 years of nursing, Rose retired in 2013 to help take care of her mother, Mrs. Daisy Dempsey. Rose and her sisters rotated as their mothers’ primary caregivers providing support for Mrs. Dempsey until her death in 2020. As the first born, Rose and her mom had a very strong relationship. Mrs. Daisy would rely on Rose to attend doctor’s appointments, assist with the management of her finances, and support her at the Wilborn Dempsey Multi-purpose Center in Alexandria. Rose was also a member of the Rho Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority incorporated, which is an international professional nursing organization. Rose’s cancer walk was a testimony of her faith. Her family will never forget the strength, love, and faith she demonstrated as she battled cancer. She kept faith in the Lord until He called her home. We can picture her right now in heaven with Jesus and all the family that preceded her and trusted in the Lord. Rose loved her family, especially her five grandchildren. As much as she loved them, they loved their grandmother. She could always make them feel better about any situation and could usually smooth things over whenever they got in trouble. She had a special bond with her beloved son Arthur III. They spoke frequently each day on the phone. No mother could ask for a better son or daughter-in-law. Her relationship with her daughter Kim was a source of joy. They frequently went out to explore the restaurants in New Orleans and go on trips to explore new places. She will truly be missed by her immediate and extended family. Rose Dempsey Williams departed this life on July 16, 2024. She leaves to cherish her memories her husband Arthur Williams Jr, her daughter Kimberly T. Williams, her son Arthur Williams III ( Michelle) of Katy, Texas; grandchildren: Adria, Aliana, Arthur IV, Aeson, and Asher Williams; sisters Lizzie Dempsey of New Orleans; Sandra Doublin of Lewisville, Texas and Ruby Rozier (Leander) of Orlando, Florida; aunts Alzina Irving (Leonard) of Alexandria, Louisiana; Christina Henton and Ruth Mims of Marysville, Washington; sisters in laws, Anita Williams and Ava Nelson of New Orleans, Louisiana; nieces, nephews, a host of cousins and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Household of Faith Church, 9300 I-10 Service Road, New Orleans, LA at 10:00am. Visitation will begin at 9:00am until 10:00am. Please join us by live stream at 9:50am by visiting https://www.youtube.com/live/eFazBSMo45M?feature=shared. Interment: Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery. Arrangements by Duplain W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories, and condolences to the family.