Pisgah Forest - Rose Mary McCleese passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021. She was born to Harkless and Lydia Peed in 1946 in Washington NC. Rose graduated from P.S. Jones High school in 1963 in Washington NC where she met her future husband, Jim McCleese in the 7th grade. Rose attended Coppin State University for two years in Maryland and received an Associate's Degree in 1972. In December 1963, she married Jim Sydney McCleese, and together raised two children Michael and Reginald McCleese. Rose and Jim joined the Church of God in 1978 and begin to live there lives for Christ along with Mike and Reggie. In 1988 Rose and Jim relocated to Brevard NC where Rose worked at Pisgah Forest Elementary School and eventually retired in 2008. Rose and Jim were married for 58 years and were childhood sweethearts. Survivors include husband Jim McCleese, son Reggie McCleese, granddaughter, Megan McCleese, brother, Roland Peed, sister-in-law, Girlie Peed, brother, Christopher McCrae, sister, Teresa Keys and nieces, Felicia Boston and Angela Peel. Funeral services will be held 2pm, Friday, November 19, 2021 at Moody Connolly Funeral Home with Rev. Alonzo Kilgore officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory. Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.