Barr Memorial Chapel obituary - Rose Cornelia (Beecham) Cartmill, 90, Lansing, Mich.

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Some people read the Gospel their whole lives and never really “get it.” With others, when you examine their lives, it’s like reading the Gospel, chapter and verse.

Our mother was one of those people. She saw the “Beatitudes” as her Be-Attitudes—ever humble in her bearing, an unquenchable advocate for justice, always willing to forgive, and unswerving in her commitment to foster harmony among those within her influence.

CARTMILL

Rose Cornelia (Beecham) Cartmill died peacefully at her home on April 24, 2018, in Lansing, MI at the age of 90. A “Daddy’s girl,” Rose grew up in the Depression, understanding the value of hard work and education. Rose took pride in her job as a receptionist for Dr. Harry Harper, the first African American physician in Fort Madison, when employment opportunities for African Americans, particularly women, were limited. While Rose yearned to pursue higher education and a career, she answered God’s greater call to become a wife and mother. She fell in love with her longtime love, Alfred Cartmill, Jr., and they married on March 7, 1953.

Rose took her vocation as wife and mother seriously, supporting her husband in his pursuit of a baseball career in the Negro and Major Leagues and throughout their marriage. Rose was a paradox of ‘50’s old-school tradition and modern sensibility. She encouraged her daughters and grandson never to lose sight of God no matter where their lives took them. She had a “be wise as serpents but gentle as doves” approach that would serve her well in the 60s as she and her husband chose to raise their daughters in a predominantly white community in Iowa.

Her quiet, gentle demeanor belied a staunch advocate for her children in the school system. Moreover, she was there for other children entrusted to her care. Rose eventually accepted a sales position at (Petersen Harned) Von Maur, working for nearly 25 years before retiring in 1997. She was a joy to those who worked with her, and her exceptional commitment to customer service prompted many to ask for her.

While dementia may have robbed Rose of her short-term memory, she never forgot God or the important people in her life. Her mantra remained, “Hold on to God’s Unchanging Hand,” and she was a source of encouragement to fellow residents on the same journey. Her eyes may have dimmed toward the end, yet she beheld within her an inner vision of the “crown of righteousness that awaited her which the Lord would surely reward her.” (2 Timothy 4:8)

Rose is survived by her daughters, Marsu (John) McAdoo III, Lansing, MI; and Sharyl Cartmill, Des Moines, IA; grandson, John L. McAdoo IV, Lansing, MI; as well as numerous family members and close friends. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred Cartmill; her parents, Roscoe Beecham and Mayme Beecham Jenkins; paternal grandparents, Sandy Beecham and Harriet (Mackey) Beecham; maternal grandparents, Will Robinson and Martha (Smalley) Robinson; brothers, Clarence Armene Beecham and Elmer Beecham; and sister, Martha Jane Beecham.

The family would be proud for you to join them in celebrating the life of Rose Cartmill.

A funeral is scheduled for 12:00 pm on Friday, May 4, 2018, at Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison, IA, with visitation from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm on Friday, May 4 at the funeral home. The eulogy, written by Dr. Rosalyn Beecham Green, will be presented by her sister, Janice Cousins. Reverend Gary Cartmill will officiate. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter or the American Heart Association. Condolences can be sent to www.barrmemorialchapel.com.

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