AULANDER, NC – Rose Leigh Dickens McLaurin, age 65, died on February 21, 2016 at Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital of Ahoskie, NC.

Mrs. McLaurin was born in Hertford County, NC on April 24, 1950, a daughter of the late James and Susie Strange Dickens. She worked as a manager in retail sales for as long as her health permitted. Rose was one who enjoyed people and would do anything for her neighbors and friends. She had many hobbies, but most of all enjoyed her crocheting and coloring.

Besides her parents, Rose was preceded in death by her sisters, Lois Williams, Nellie Morris, Christine Wills, Virgie Terry, Betty Ouellette, and Inell Womack; and her brothers, James Dickens, Jr., and William Ray Dickens.

Left to cherish her memory is her sister, Sue D. Dunlow and husband, Jackie of Ahoskie, NC; her brother in law, Reggie Terry of Aulander, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at Garrett Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie from 1:00 pm until 1:45 pm, prior to services. A celebration of life service will follow at 2:00 pm, with Rev. Taylor Latham officiating. A private burial will follow in the Morris Family Cemetery, Roxobel, NC.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Hertford Gates Relay for Life, 930B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC, 27834.

Garrett Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the McLaurin family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.