Rose Gartrell Vann, born in Savannah, Georgia, to Barnett and Bessie Gartrell, was the sixth of nine children. Though raised in modest circumstances, Rose excelled academically and displayed extraordinary talents from an early age. Gifted with the ability to play piano by ear, she delighted family and friends with her music. As a majorette in her school band, she showcased her exceptional twirling skills—talents she later shared with her students.

Rose attended Savannah State College (now University), where she majored in English. During her time there, she was crowned Ms. Savannah State 1951–52. It was also at Savannah State that she met and married Claude Vann, Jr., an Airman stationed at nearby Chatham Field. Together, they built a life of service and resilience. As a military wife during an era when family support systems were scarce, Rose embraced the responsibility of raising their three children—Avis, Claude III, and Doris—while Claude served 28½ years in the Air Force, including assignments in England, Morocco, Southeast Asia, and across the United States. Her devotion and strength were instrumental in his rise to become one of the youngest Chief Master Sergeants in the Air Force at that time.

Alongside her family commitments, Rose pursued a distinguished career in education. She taught at the elementary, junior high and high school  levels across Georgia, Maine, California, Massachusetts  and Virginia. Known as a stern but caring teacher, she demanded excellence from her students and instilled discipline and respect. Her love for children was evident in countless ways, from her classroom to moments abroad—such as her memorable act of kindness toward young helpers in Juarez, Mexico.

After retiring from teaching in 1992, Rose dedicated herself to community service. She was a proud member of the Continental Societies, Inc., Newport News–Hampton Chapter, serving in leadership roles including President, Chaplain, Awards Day Chairperson and Souvenir Booklet Chair for the Annual Heart Time Ball. She was also a life member of the Hampton Chapter of the NAACP, passionately supporting voter engagement. In 1998, she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she became a Silver Star member, embodying the sorority's mission of scholarship, sisterhood and service to all mankind.

Together, Rose and Claude shared a vision for real estate investment, beginning in 1955. Their portfolio grew to include properties in Savannah, Atlanta, Florida, and Hampton, Virginia. They rented homes at modest rates, often extending generosity to tenants, reflecting their commitment to community and family legacy.

Rose's greatest joy was her family. She cherished her children—Avis (Gus) Lilavois, Claude (Sonya) Vann, and Doris (Enrique) Ford—and poured her love into her grandchildren: Leah Rose (Jason) Jones, Claude Vann IV, and Ual Bradley III. She nurtured them through their education and careers celebrating their achievements as a pharmacist, military officer turned land site development project manager and international business professional. Rose was further blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Ezequiel Henriquez-Bradley, Christian Jones, Adriyel Vann, Miranda Jones, Naomi Bradley, Mattie Vann and Elijah Henriquez-Bradley.

She leaves behind her brother Fred (Margaret) Gartrell, numerous nieces and nephews from the Gartrell-Branham and Vann-Hunter families, her sisters in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the Continental Societies Inc., teaching colleagues, friends, neighbors, and the Aberdeen Gardens community. Rose's legacy of strength, service and love will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Viewing will be held Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va.  A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2025 at First Baptist Church East End, 3000 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, Va. Entombment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.