Isreal Mae Rose

Isreal Mae (Prince) Rose was born on November 17, 1923, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the only child to parents, Isreal and Mary Prince.  Mae passed away on March 29, 2020, in Portland,
Oregon.

Those that knew her “affectionately” called her Mae, “Nana Mae” or “Memo.” She met and married Alvin Dawson Sr., and four children were born to their union: Francetta, Alvin Jr., Allen and
Stanley. The Dawson's moved from Louisiana to California, and eventually moved to Oregon where they worked to provide for their family.  Because of their desire to be their “own boss” they eventually owned and operated one of the first black owned poultry market in their area. 

Mae and Alvin Sr., were married for over 20 years. Years after their divorce, Mae met merchant marine Vernon J. Rose and they married in 1972. They remained devoted and happily married to each other until  his death in November 1999. 

Mae first started working in the food industry by working at Brooks Grocery Store.  In 1963, she began working at Tradewell Grocery Store as a cashier.  Store management discovered Mae, their “friendly and personable” cashier was excellent with numbers, and within her 15 years with Tradewell she was promoted to the bookkeeper/accountant until her retirement in 1978.

Mae and Vernon were members of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, but were ”spiritually” led to follow Dr. Rev. Johnny Pack to his newly established Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, where they both remained faithful servants to the church until Vernon passed in 1999, and until Mae’s recent passing.  Mae always enjoyed those regular “first” Sunday visits by the Fellowship “saints” who would come to her house once she became homebound. They would bring her
communion, sing gospel songs and pray with her. On occasion, she would receive a surprise visit from Dr. Rev. Johnny Pack, whom she adored. Mae loved the Lord and her church; she shared her godly “gifts” by being on the Nurse’s Board, Mission of Concern, and was a church mother.

Mae was active in the community by volunteering her time with working for the advancement of African American people through her service in the following organizations: Eastern Star, Delta Sigma Theta Mother's Club, the Altruistic Club, and regularly assisting with the Oregon Election Board. 

Mae passed away in the peaceful surroundings of her home on Sunday, March 29, 2020.  She was preceded in death by her mother and father (Mary and Isreal Prince), husband Vernon, and her youngest son Isreal Stanley Dawson. She leaves to mourn her children: Francetta Cross, Alvin Dawson, Jr., Allen (Suzanne) Dawson. Her grandchildren: Pamela Rahsaan-Miles, Alvin (Judy) Rosemon, Natasha Dawson, Donovan Campbell, and Alexzandra (Artur) Hovhannisyan. Her great-grandchildren: Rasheen C. Hudson, Natasha J. Love and Jaylen Rosemon, and 6 great great grandchildren, and a host of close family and friends.

In Deep appreciation
The family of Isreal Mae Rose wishes to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for all the phone calls of kindness and sympathy shown to us during this difficult time of losing our Matriarch, as well as not being able to gather with ALL family and friends during this Covid-19 virus pandemic which has spread across the world. Please continue to keep us in your prayers, pray for each other, our nation, and may God bless and keep you safe.

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