LEESA ROUSE
May 19, 1956-Aug. 2, 2009
SEVEN SPRINGS -- Maleesa Joan Rouse, 53, died Sunday at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.
A graveside remembrance service was held Wednesday at Rouse Family Cemetery with the Rev. Jerry Mitchell officiating.
Leesa was born May 19, 1956, in Lenoir County to the late Elbert Cassidy Rouse and Joan Yvonne Rouse.
She received her formal education from North Carolina State and East Carolina University. Leesa received a Bachelor of Science degree in childhood education with reading certification. She taught at Lucama Elementary School in Wilson County. Leesa was awarded "Teacher Of The Year" on two occasions. Leesa also received the Terry Sanford Award, Outstanding Young Educator Award and the Innovative Teaching Award.
While teaching was her passion, just helping children become more confident individuals was also a goal. She was assistant camp/arts director for the Coastal Carolina Girl Scout Council. She was a true humanitarian.
She loved pets and had two dogs (Emma and Gilley) and four cats (Prissy, Willie, Annie and Izzy).
Leesa was an avid gardener, having a green thumb with any plant. She loved to read a wide variety of novels, biographies and history. Leesa loved ladybugs and wore them on shirts, jewelry and hats. She was a bird watcher and could tell you almost anything about any species.
Leesa is survived by a brother, Joey Rouse, and wife, Donna; nieces, Joely Alexandra Rouse, Jenna Elizabeth Rouse, Jessica Erin Grant, and husband, Danny, along with their children, Riley-Cooper Grant and Payton Grant; aunts and uncle, Ann Rouse Price, Lydia Rouse and "Fella" Rouse; and special family friends, Debby Jones, Judy and Kenn Hudson.
Memorials may be made to the Wayne Animal Adoption Center, 1600 Clingman St., Goldsboro, N.C., 27534, Diamonds In The Ruff, c/o Wayne Animal Adoption Center, 1600 Clingman St., Goldsboro, N.C., 27534 or Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 2402 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, N.C., 27534.
The family wishes to express its gratitude to the staffs of Kitty Askins Hospice Center and 3HC for Leesa's loving and compassionate care.
Arrangements are with Rouse Funeral Home of LaGrange.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on August 6, 2009 1:46 PM