Occasionally, a person’s name not only identifies the individual but also describes his or her personality and character. Rosie Jones was one such case. Her maiden name was Wise and she truly was an extraordinarily wise and perceptive lady. From her nearly three decades working as the late Chris Stamm’s paralegal assistant, she came to know hundreds of individuals and she was proficient in handling all of the matters that came across her desk.
Rosie was born and raised at Cohocton, in the western part of New York State, and for the last four decades she lived here in the lower Northern Neck with her husband, Paul Jones. She was the picture of composure and self-assurance in caring for the needs of her clients. She came to know the law in all of its nuances and intricacies, always prepared to answer questions in her usual refined manner. When Chris Stamm was representing a client, the client, in effect, was getting “two for the price of one” given Rosie’s extensive knowledge of legal procedures.
A few years ago, Rosie announced that she would be retiring in two years. I told her that I could not imagine the legal community without her but she said that after nearly 30 years she thought the time had come. Shortly thereafter, Chris Stamm became ill and died thus Rosie’s closing years in the law came to be shutting down his practice and office, which she did with her standard efficiency.
She was looking forward to retiring at a sufficiently young age to be able to garden, fish and travel with Paul and simply enjoy family time together. Last week, at the age of 63, Rosie died unexpectedly. Far beyond the legal community, she has left a mark on all of her friends and associates. In a single person, she combined great integrity, professionalism and a genuinely charming personality. In Rosie’s case, she was truly a wise lady in far more ways than name only.
Rosalind “Rosie” Wise Jones, September 24, 1956–August 19, 2021. R.I.P.
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George Yeatman was one of the Northern Neck’s finest contributions to the world of music. He spent his life dedicated to sharing that talent with others. He was a native of Lyells in Westmoreland County and, after graduating from the prestigious Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, he moved to the lower Northern Neck. His love of music was infectious, and he was a born teacher.
George saw the proverbial “big picture” when treating music. He liked to be able to orchestrate school children and adults alike. He worked tirelessly to establish the band program in the Lancaster school system and he served for decades as the music minister at Grace Episcopal Church. His particular concern was getting the right pitch from his performers. He could hear each voice in his chorus and he wanted to make certain that every member performed in unison.
When not teaching or conducting, George sold real estate. His reputation in that community was also impeccable. He was noticeably patient with his clients and customers, never tiring of answering their questions and working to put the right people with the right homes. He understood the market and, as with his music, he was happy to share his knowledge with those whom he represented.
George’s other consuming interest was in his own home, a stately Victorian house in Kilmarnock that he diligently restored. At one point, he came to realize that for fuel efficiency he needed to replace the wooden-framed windows. He searched for the best model available and reluctantly concluded that he had to alter the design for practical reasons but then he hoped to find someone to whom he could give the old windows to make a greenhouse or find some other use for them.
George was a delight to know, always eager to work with others, whether in music or real estate or elsewhere, to do his part to come up with happy results. He liked people and he used his manifold talents to serve their ends and meet their goals throughout his life.
George William Yeatman, November 14, 1941–August 20, 2021. R.I.P.
