I remember all the times you looked so pretty in your quitted skirts in the 50's and they were out of style by the time I got old enough. You were always so popular and beautiful. I often wish I could be you.. Love you forever.. T

:-(

 The Importance Of My Sister

Rosie was the 2nd oldest child born to Eliza and Percy Flennory. My sister is five years older than me; she was someone who I looked up too. She loves you from the heart, no matter how much you argue with her, and you cannot be drawn apart. She was a joy that cannot be taken away, once she entered my life, she was there to stay.

I counted her also as a friend. She was one who helped me through difficult times. Her comforting words were worth much more than dimes. Funny when I think of  dimes, I remember when I was broke and needed money, Rosie would go through her change purse and pull out dimes and pennies until she reached my goal.

And as a sister she would cook on holidays and fills our life with laughs and smile, she never wavered or faulted in cooking “Holiday Meals.”  Her first husband Adrian jokily said “I married her because she has a cute little butt and she fried the best fish ever!” LOL. These memories or Rosie will last for infinity and back. Oh, how I miss my dear sister.

When she was alive, the world was filled with life; the coffee tasted better on her front porch and dinner was always served in style. While she is not around now, I still remember her. Once mom asked her to cook some Lima beans for dinner. She was about 16 years old; she started the beans by putting them in water, adding fat meat and onions, and then promptly left to visit her friend up the road. Later there was smoke all over the kitchen and we thought the house was on fire.

Of course my mom was not impressed with burnt beans and all that smoke in the house, so she put Rosie on punishment. My dad almost got out that old razor strap.  The one he used occasionally on all of us. You know the one with the double straps one side for smooth sharpening of the razor and the other side for rough (like sand paper) sharpening. When my days were full of strife and I was naughty, dad spanked my butt.

My sister was a blessing; she didn't require much discipline like Johnny and I. Rose was different. She was beautiful, stylish and glamorous. She filled all our hearts with envy, love, food and kindness. Her nature was soft ad sweet. Even now I look up and I see a dove; she flies with the beauty of that dove. She was a companion of whom you can express your deepest feelings.

Rosie didn’t let you get bored at her home or at family gatherings. “Come on eat some more,” she would insist. Whether you are having your ups or having your downs, Rose Mary as I called her always helped you get back that smile and I never so her frown. However,  let me make it clear Rosie Mary Flennory Wyer Keeler was no push over. She would fight the devil if he got in her way.

With my sister I could get crossed, but I could not hold a grudge and I knew she’d kick my butt if I started anything.  Rose Mary was sweet as honey and was as smooth as Greek Yogurt. I loved having a sister, having a sister is not just a trend, it is knowing you can always turn to her, as your best friend. Rose will always have a place in my heart. She is an angel now waiting for us to join her. I love you dear Rosie.

Your sister forever,

Terazzah

Rosie Mary Flennory moved to Pensacola, FL after graduating from a private finishing High School in Mobile, Al. It was called Josephine Allen School. It was located on Davis Ave (Now M.L.K. Blvd).  She met and married her first husband Adrian Wyer in 1958.  After his daeth in 1999, she met and married Charles Henry Keeler in 2001. She was happy to have an adventurous husband and use their last two years together to traveled to California and Jacksoneville to visit her out of state sons, as well as Quakertown PA. to visit her new husband's family.

She is the mother of 5 boys and one girl. Over the years she raised her children while working part time jobs, cooking in the Catholic school cafeteria or a day care near by. And she volunteered her time at various Catholic events.  She enjoyed cooking, hosting family gatherings and holiday meals. She is loved and spoiled her grandchildren and family. She will be greatly missed.