Rose Mary Hamilton left this earth to join her husband, Raymond, on Sept. 17, 2010, after a long and active life.

Rose Mary Izzo Hamilton was born Feb. 5, 1932, in Manhattan, N.Y., to Guiseppe and Domenica Izzo. Rose graduated from James Monroe High School, Bronx 59 NY, in 1950. At the age of 21 she joined the Air Force where she was an instructor. After traveling with the Air Force, Rose moved to Mississippi in 1962.

Rose met and married the love of her live, Raymond “Red” B. Hamilton Oct. 17, 1970. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, Rose achieved her bachelor’s degree in education from Jackson State University in Jackson. Rose loved teaching children as an elementary school teacher and continued to teach by tutoring after her retirement.

Rose loved dancing and performing. She was involved in community theater. Early in life, Rose discovered her love of poetry and continued to write throughout her life. Beloved by many jazz bands, Rose and Red danced their way through life, winning many dance competitions and dancing at the Governor’s Ball.

Rose was longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, six months ago; and a son, Randall Lee Johnston.

Survivors include son, Wayne Bruce Johnston of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; daughter, Cynthia Rose Johnston of Katy, Texas; son, Donald Scott Johnston of Poteau, Okla.; daughter, Donna Maria Johnston of Lodi, Calif.; and son, Daniel Lee Johnston of Meridian, Idaho; 18 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Please share your memories of Mom and stories of her life by visiting Rose’s memorial web page online, www.relyeafuneralchapel.com/obituaries/Rose-Mary-Hamilton4321428877/. Her children will cherish these thoughts.