Rose Madrey

Though the clouds may hang over  there will be a brighter day in that land, they call heaven God shall wipe all tears away….

Bowing in humbled submission to the will of our Heavenly Father, it has become the solemn responsibility of Hortons Funeral Home and Cremations to inform all that Rose Madrey is now resting in Paradise. Rose put down the cares of this Life on August 26,2025 in Norfolk,Va, from there, she picked up her new wardrobe and golden keys for her everlasting life in Heaven.

The Glorious and Triumphant Life Celebration events have been methodically orchestrated and will proceed in the following order.  Beginning on Saturday August 30,2025 between the evening hours of 4pm and 7pm a public gathering will come forth as Rose Madrey Lies in tranquil repose at Horton’s Funeral Home and Cremations Hertford,NC On Sunday August 31,2025 being called to order promptly at 2pm The Celebration of Life will take at Horton’s Funeral Home and Cremations. As hard as it will be for Rose Madrey loved ones to depart without her, God our Heavenly Father promised to give peace that will surpass all of our understanding even in the midst of grief and sorrow. The hymnologist said it best... when he put pen to parchment writing....We’ll understand it better all by and by.”

Following the services in the chapel, Rose Madrey’s delicate temple along with her adored family will be escorted to the Oak Hill A. M. E. Zion Church Cemetery for committal rights.

Mrs. Nellie Rose Madrey entered the earthly realm on May 19, 1944, in Perquimans County, North Carolina. She was the youngest of two children born to the late Mitchell and Edna Zachary. 

Nellie Rose, as she was affectionately named by her big sister,attended North Carolina Central University and Elizabeth City State University and received her degree in elementary education. Shethrived in education, banking, and evangelism as well as her work at The Christian Broadcasting Network in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

Rose married her high school sweetheart, the late Dr. William Madrey, Jr. on December 7, 1961. Two children, Zachary DerryllMadrey and the late William Madrey, III, were born of this union. 

She retired from teaching after over two decades in Pasquotank County’s school system, namely P. W. Moore Elementary and Central Elementary. She heeded the call to spread the gospel through numerous speaking engagements and in many pulpits across Eastern North Carolina. She faithfully attended Fountain of Life Church in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.  Rose was also a long-time member and former President of the Elizabeth City chapter of Aglow International providing outreach ministry to those in need, hosting Bible studies, visiting and caring for the sick, and sharing God’s word and love. 

Rose carried an enormous love in her heart, on her beautiful face, and through her gentle care and support of everyone around her. She adored her family, and she was always checking up on her nieces and nephews.  Over the years, she often spent time with them, sharing stories, giving advice or just enjoying life together; she always made them feel special. 

Rose leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, her son Zachary Derryll Madrey (Lori) of Westbrook, Maine, her sister, Mrs. Edna Z. Durant of Hertford, North Carolina, her grandson, Joshua R. Madrey of Hertford, North Carolina, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The compassionate professionals at Horton’s Funeral Homes and Cremations are working around the clock to ensure that the Madrey and connected families every need is attended too.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rose Madrey, please visit our floral store.