Princeton - Ilene Woodard Rose, age 99, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 21, 2023, in her home of Princeton. Born, March 21, 1924, in Princeton, she was a daughter of the late Willie Woodard and Ida Webb Woodard. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman "Stumpy" Rose; son, Kenneth Ray Rose; brothers, David and Glenn Woodard; daughters-in-law, Marilee Jane "Molly" Rose, Judy Whitley Rose; and grandson, Jay Rose. Ilene was a member of Rains Crossroads Free Will Baptist Church for many years. She was the last of the "Golden Girls" from Rains Crossroads Free Will Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was known in the family for her excellent cooking skills. Ilene was dedicated to her faith first and then to her loving family.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Rains Crossroads Free Will Baptist Church in Princeton with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

She is survived by her sons, Jerry Rose (Rose) of Princeton; Harold Rose (Evelyn) of Goldsboro; daughter Judy Rowe (Wayne) of Princeton and grandchildren, Debbie Norris, Beth Meyer, Justin Rose, Rusty Rose, Curtis Rose, Andy Rose, Jack Rose, Gina Rowe Barbour, Shannon Rowe Martin, and Jason Rowe; 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.