Obituary: Rosa Ann Osborne Chaney
Rosa Ann Osborne Chaney went to heaven on June 25th, 2026 while surrounded by her loved ones. Born on August 16, 1937, in Halifax County, Virginia, Rosa lived a life defined by faith, family, friendship, and service.
Rosa was the daughter of the late Lillian Smith Osborne and Roddie Smith Osborne. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Epps Chaney; her son, Roddy Ray Chaney; and her siblings, Lillian Frances Mealer and Roddy Osborne.
She attended Halifax County High School in South Boston, Virginia, and continued her education at Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Virginia. On March 17, 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Epps Chaney, beginning a loving marriage that spanned 63 years.
Rosa dedicated her career to serving children as a teacher assistant with Lenoir County Public Schools. A loyal member of Spilman Memorial Baptist Church in Kinston, Rosa's relationship with God guided every aspect of her life. She joyfully served her community through many years of volunteering at Mary's Soup Kitchen.
Above all, Rosa loved her family. She is survived by her children, Thomas Hogan Chaney (Margaret Kay Chaney) and Sandra Jean Chaney Drum; her grandchildren, Summer Drum Ali (Bilal Ali), Erin Chaney Merritt (Paul Parker Merritt IV), Sailor Alexis Drum, and Tanner Reefe Drum; and her cherished great-grandson, Paul Parker Merritt V. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed and touched by her warmth and kindness.
Rosa embraced life with enthusiasm and grace. She put care and love into tending her beautiful garden and enjoyed playing bridge, attending Zumba classes, hosting friends and family, dancing, cooking and baking, and her furry feline companion, Spirit. Her heart, as big as her personality, made her beloved to all she met, whether she was participating in Kinston’s Dancing with the Stars or reading stories to her grandchildren’s school classes. Rosa was full of joy and life, and her legacy of unconditional love will live on. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
A celebration of life will be held July 5th at 3 pm at Spilman Memorial Baptist Church in Kinston, NC.
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