Rosalie Gorham Barber

Rosalie Gorham Barber, born August 25, 1936, passed away on March 18, 2026 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.

Rosalie spent her formative years in Black Oak, where she shared fond memories of her family operating the train depot and local theater—selling tickets and concessions—and picking cotton. Smart, hardworking, and driven, she graduated from Monette High School at the age of 16.

Working her way through school, Rosalie attended Arkansas State College, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education. During her time there, she served as AOPi President, Sigma Pi Sweetheart, was honored on the Homecoming Court, and received the coveted Wilson Award.

She began her teaching career at Jonesboro High School and later continued at Arkansas State University, where she served on the faculty in the Physical Education Department for 31 years. She is remembered fondly by many students for her leadership as Director of Women’s Intramural Sports, Men’s Intramural Sports, and ASU Cheerleading Clinics.

Rosalie remained actively involved with her local AOPi Chapter, going on to hold various regional and international positions and offices. Through conventions, meetings, banquets, and beach trips, she built a sisterhood of lifelong friendships.

In 1979, as a working mother of two young children, she followed her passion and founded The Children’s House Montessori School, located in the stately red brick home on Nettleton Avenue. Rosalie remained deeply engaged in the school, spending much time at “the Big House” and forming meaningful connections with the children and families whose lives she touched over the years.

Following her professional retirement, Rosalie joined the St. Bernards Auxiliary, where she found great joy serving as Manager of the St. Bernards Gift Shop. She was honored as Auxilian of the Year, named an ASU Distinguished Alumni, and was featured in the 1980 publication Horizons: 100 Arkansas Women of Achievement. She also proudly served on the National Advisory Board for the Beck Pride Center for Wounded Veterans.

Rosalie was a member of First Baptist Church Jonesboro. She was an avid reader, a loyal ASU sports fan, and loved cruising and beach trips to Hilton Head Island— “the island” holding many cherished memories.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Michie Barber; her parents, Grover and Lucille Gorham; and her brother, Jimmy.

She is survived by her two children, Allyson (Dave) Goodin and Chris (Michelle) Barber; five grandchildren, Chris, Alyssa (Alex), Matt (Lolly), Nathan, and Jonathan; and two great-grandchildren, Emory and Kennedy, who brought her much delight and joy. She is also survived by her siblings, Bob Gorham and Grovernel Grisham, and special nieces, Greye, Shea, and Marlo.

A devoted mother and Proverbs 31 woman, “Her children arise and call her blessed” and “Honor her for all that her hands have done.” Rosalie is now at peace and rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A private burial was held at Jonesboro Memorial Park on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 3rd, at 9:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Jonesboro, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Celebration of Life Service. The service will be live-streamed and can be accessed via the First Baptist Church website.

The family requests that donations be made to the St. Bernards Auxiliary or the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.