Rossine Wagner Weisner

Our lovely Aunt Rossine finished her earthly journey on May 20th in her home as she wished. She was born December 5, 1927, to Samuel Ross Wagner and Elizabeth Hayworth Wagner. She spent her lifetime of 94 years on the land that she loved along with her dearest sisters Frances Leonard and Virginia Tussey.  Aunt Rossine graduated from Welcome School in 1945. She was mother to Danny, Cynthia, and Kathy. We remember well the loving care she lavished on her special needs daughters and her compassion and loyalty to Danny.  Aunt Rossine was a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church. Whether with the choir, administrative board, Sunshine and Quilting Circles, or her Sunday School Class, she was faithful and diligent. For twenty years she organized meals for grieving families; her delicious chicken and dumplings and chocolate cake were always on the menu. She enjoyed reading and watching basketball. She traveled to every state in the continental United States and five European countries. She retired from Davidson County Schools as a bus driver for handicapped children. Aunt Rossine cared for us, her nieces, and nephews, while our mothers worked in the fields or stores. From playing school in the tenant house, wading in Franie Branch, gathering clay from the creek, jumping in the hay in Grandpa’s barn and exploring its every corner, riding in the buggy with the fringe on top, or playing hopscotch in the yard she was there, and it was fun. Perhaps our best memories were of Aunt Rossine in the front porch swing telling us stories and swinging us to sleep. She was beautiful and we delighted in watching her fix her hair and putting on her lipstick, “fixing up” for church and MYF, or visits with her friends. Every child should be so fortunate as to grow up with an Aunt Rossine. She experienced joy, sadness, and heart break, but through her faith and the love of family and friends she became even stronger. She was courageous, reliable, hardworking, an excellent gardener, a phenomenal cook, a good friend, and neighbor. Her life was full. She was proud of her many great, great-great, and great-great-great nieces and nephews. She cherished her “darling” God-Child Hannah Ross Hunt White. She leaves behind nieces Crissy Leonard Pope, Ann Leonard Brown and husband Russell, Kay Tussey Gandy, and husband R.L., and Deborah (Debbie) Leonard. Due to health concerns, a private graveside service will be held for family only. If you would like to pay homage to Aunt Rossine, “please love your neighbors as yourself.”