Rose Denegal's Obituary
Rose Denegal was born on February 3, 1951, in Orange Mills, FL to the late LaRuth and Levi Denegal, Sr. On Saturday July 26, 2025, Rose was called to rest.
Raised in a Christian home, Rose was taught early on to walk in faith and love. Her gentle and giving nature was evident in childhood, a reflection of a heart anchored in Christ. She spent her early years in Palatka, FL, where she formed lifelong values rooted in love, respect, and family. Rose displayed remarkable intelligence and maturity beyond her years. Even as a child, Rose displayed a remarkable intelligence and a heart full of love. She was curious, bright, and always eager to learn new things. Rose had a special way of encouraging those around her by offering kind words, comforting hugs, and a joyful spirit that lifted others. Whether helping at home, supporting her friends, or simply sharing her beautiful smile, Rose made a lasting impact.
After graduating from Palatka High School, Rose worked at a hospital in Sanford, FL for a while before relocating to Washington, DC in the early 1970’s. While living in D.C., she worked at the American Psychiatric Association for many years as well as the Federal Government. She later moved to Maryland and began working for the Montgomery County Board of Education in the early 1980’s. In the late 1980’s she worked for Montgomery County Public Schools as a teacher aide.
In 1994, Rose moved to Middleburg, FL. While in Florida she worked for the Clay County School District, where she supported students with behavioral and emotional challenges. Rose approached her work with patience, empathy, and an open heart, always believing in the potential of every child she served. Her kind spirit, encouraging words, and willingness to help others left a lasting impact not only on her students but also on her colleagues and community. Rose took college courses over the years while working full-time and raising her children and later earned a degree in Psychology.
Rose was profoundly family-oriented; therefore, she made the loving choice in 1997 to move back to Maryland to be near her children and grandchildren, demonstrating the depth of her devotion with each visit, celebration, and shared moment. Whether helping care for little ones, hosting family gatherings, or simply offering joyful companionship, she brought warmth, love, and support to every moment she shared with loved ones. She then became employed at Montgomery Community College until she retired.
In her spare time, Rose enjoyed spending time with family, baking, traveling, tending to her garden, reading, and volunteering at her church (Allen Chapel AME)—always eager to serve and uplift others. Her life reflected quiet strength, kindness, and grace. Her helpful nature, thoughtful heart, and sweet presence will be remembered and cherished.
She is preceded in death by her parents LaRuth and Levi Denegal, Sr.; maternal grandfather and grandmother Calvin and Rosa Thomas; sisters Havannah Moore, Charlie Denegal, Evelyn Phelps-Butler, brother Levi Denegal, Jr., and granddaughter Amber Thompson.
Rose leaves to cherish her memories: children Michael Thompson, Treva A.K. Thompson-Gillis (Dion), Maurice Thompson (Chikita); grandchildren Ashley Thompson, Ashia Thompson, Marcus Thompson, Makhaila Thompson, Micah Thompson, Demetrius Trevor Hall; great-grandchildren Marley Thompson, Eric Gibson, Emaria Thompson; sisters Lou Denegal-Kaymore, Bobbie Baker(Donald), Ronnie Denegal, Sr., Matthew Denegal, Sr.,(Elaine), Roberta Asbell(Ray); and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.R
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