BLUFF POINT—On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, God called home to Glory one of his most faithful servants, Deaconess Rose Elizabeth Savoy.
“Roselee,” as she was affectionately known to some of her family and friends, was born March 16, 1931, on Sharps Road in Richmond County.
She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, joining Ebenezer Baptist Church in Richmond County, and later Calvary Baptist Church in Kilmarnock, where she remained a dedicated member and became a Deaconess. At Calvary, she was a member of the Gospel Chorus and Senior Choir. She also served in the Missionary Ministry, Virginia Calvary Club, Drama Ministry, Kitchen Committee, and served as Pastors Aid. She had a huge heart and was always willing to support the members and pastors of the church.
Elizabeth was educated in the public school systems of Richmond County and was very active in her community there. She worked at James Atkins Crab House for years and moved on to private duty nursing until she retired.
She was the heartbeat of our family. Our teacher, caregiver, support system and most importantly our strength. She was a devoted Mom, Grandma, Aunt and friend to everyone she knew. She loved to work in her garden, dance, sing, cook and fed everyone. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her greatest joy.
She was predeceased by her parents, Harold Croxton and Lucille Carter-Croxton; her husband, William Jesse Savoy Sr.; her sons, Vaughn Rich Sr. and Vance Savoy; her daughter, Jacqueline Green; her grandsons, E.J. Savoy and Christopher Green; and three siblings, Columbus Croxton, James Croxton and Virginia Caster.
She leaves a legacy of love to cherish her memory, a sister, Alma Nickens of Columbia, Md.; children, Michael and wife Carolyn Rich of Hayes, Jesse and wife Marlon Savoy of Weems, Eric and wife Marsha Savoy of Las Vegas, Nev., and Foreman Savoy and dear friend Renee Everett of Kilmarnock; sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Peepsie) Savoy; brothers-in-law, Odell Caster, Kenneth Savoy and Maurice Savoy; grandchildren, Vaughn Rich, Cathy Johnson, Shamika Tiggle, Javon Savoy, Jessica Savoy, Erica Savoy, Carla Cole, Elaine Savoy, E’lenn Savoy, Kendall Savoy, Allison Savoy, Kendall Ingram, Aaron Green, Bridgette Johnson, Monyette Johnson, Anita Gutierrez, Filo Gutierrez, Anucha Livings, Suwanaei Livings and Blake Jolivette; as well as 40 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, a host of devoted nieces, nephews, and an abundance of cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life service was held Wednesday, July 19, at Calvary Baptist Church in Kilmarnock.