Obituary of Beatrice Leadingham Rouse

Beatrice Leadingham Rouse, 96, passed peacefully from this world and took up residence in heaven on Friday, September 16, 2022.  She was born in Carter County, Kentucky on January 28, 1926 to the late Rev. M. F. Leadingham and Belva Adkins Leadingham. Beatrice was the oldest of ten children and grew up surrounded by a large, loving family. She was married to Edward Lee Rouse, also of Kentucky, for sixty-eight years until his passing in 2015.

Beatrice and her husband partnered together in business to own and operate the Falmouth Wallpaper and Paint Store in Falmouth, Kentucky (1957-1963), Tri-City Paint and Wallpaper Center in Kernersville, North Carolina (1963-1985), and Custom Discount Blinds, also in Kernersville, North Carolina (1991-2010).

In addition to her business enterprises, she enjoyed time with family and friends and writing poetry. Two of her earlier poems, “Let Us Pray a Little Prayer” and “Happy New Year,” were published in the Falmouth Outlook.

She was a Christian woman of faith and a member of Kernersville Wesleyan Church since 1963 when she and her family moved from Kentucky to North Carolina.

In addition to her parents and husband, Beatrice was preceded in death by five brothers and one sister: Joseph Earl Leadingham, Meredith Paul Leadingham, Jesse Franklin Leadingham, Donald Ray Leadingham, Charles David Leadingham, and Joyce Leadingham Thompson.

Left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Ann Storey and husband Mike, and Sharon Jordan and husband Larry; six grandchildren, Colleen Christy and husband Aaron, Cristen Seymore and husband Brandon, Carrie VanDerbeck and husband Josh, Rocky Jordan and wife Margo, Nick Jordan and wife Taylor, and Jay Jordan and wife Allie; ten great-grandchildren, Max Christy, Connor Seymore, Kaylie VanDerbeck, Tucker VanDerbeck, Logan VanDerbeck, Emmerson Jordan, Sterling Jordan, Graelyn Jordan, Crosby Jordan, and Jane Jordan; two sisters, Pat Freeman and Imogene (Jean) Elliott; one brother, Lawrence Leadingham and wife Jean; three sisters-in-law, Lois Leadingham, Betty Conley Leadingham, and Joni Leadingham; one brother-in law, Rev. Leon Thompson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held 1:00 PM, Saturday, September 24, 2022 at Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Services Kernersville Chapel. Interment will follow at Mt. Gur Cemetery, Kernersville, North Carolina.

Memorial contributions can be made to Kernersville Wesleyan Church, 930 North Main Street, Kernersville, North Carolina 27284.

Friends and family may view and sign the guestbook at www.piercejeffersonfh.com