Obituary of Rose Lee Gunter

Rose Lee Gunter, 91, gained her heavenly crown on Saturday, August 28, 2021. Rose Lee was affectionately known as a wife, mother, grandmother, friend and mentor. She was fondly known for her larger than life personality, her vibrant bright clothes, and her love for her family and community. Rose Lee (Cullum) Gunter was born on May 14, 1930 in Aiken, South Carolina, to the late Mack and Mamie Cullum. From this union, nine children were born. Rose Lee met and married her long-time friend, Manuel Gunter in 1950. They established their family roots in the rural countryside of Bridgeton, New Jersey. From this union, seven children were born. After years of hard work, Rose Lee retired from Rowan College in South Jersey (Cumberland Campus), (formerly known as Cumberland County Community College) after more than twenty-five years of service. Rose Lee dedicated her life to the Lord at an early age. She became an active member of Faith Chapel Holiness Church in Bridgeton, New Jersey, where she received the gift of the Holy Spirit under the leadership of Pastor Inez Moore. In her later years, Rose Lee became an active member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Alloway, New Jersey, under the leadership of Rev. Benjamin Galloway. She served on several auxiliary boards at the church such as the Deacon Board, Church Treasury Committee, Pastoral Aid Support Committee, Church Custodial Committee, Nursing Home Ministry, Senior Choir Member and Mother’s Board. She was also an honorary member of the church kitchen committee where she was fondly known for her homemade potato salad, stuffing and cornbread. Rose Lee was a powerhouse for the kingdom of God. She was a community leader and changemaker who dedicated her life to winning souls for Christ. She could often be found giving a long prayer or singing her favorite song, Look Beyond the Clouds. Rose Lee was a Proverbs 31 woman. She was a woman who rose early to serve. She was a woman who diligently desired the fear and admonition of the Lord for her family. She was a fervent believer in the undoubtable power of prayer. She was a lover of all people. She served the church, but was never too proud to work in the fields. Rose Lee believed in the motto, “Family First”. As her family’s matriarch, she deeply valued the importance of staying connected to her family. She instilled the principles of love, truth and reconciliation in her family. She also instilled the concept of professional image into her family. She believed in being presentable at all times. Additionally, Rose Lee was a candidate and honest. She was phenomenal at identifying purpose and promise in others. Her goal was to help them see their value in the same way she saw them. Rose Lee was funny. She was notorious for cracking witty jokes to elicit hardy laughs. She was an atmosphere-changer. It was always a challenge to be upset in her presence because her laugh was loud, funny and infectious. She was also known for inviting everyone in the community to her house for dinner. She would feed anyone who walked through her doors; she never turned away anyone . During the summer months, she could always be found on her back porch cutting watermelons, shucking corn, updating her homemade remedies (e.g., caster oil) or reminiscing on nostalgic memories. During the winter months, she could always be found in her family room, nestled-up next to the wood-burning stove; with her legs crossed, watching TBN or her favorite cowboy television shows. She was the glue that bound her family together. Rose Lee peacefully departed this life to rest with the Lord. Her family was at her bedside. She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Gunter; son, Willie B. Gunter; parents, Mack and Mamie Cullum; six brothers, two sisters and one great-great-grandchild, Zaire Jones. Left to cherish her loving memories are her children: Alfred Gunter (Audrey) of Bridgeton, NJ; Betty Finney of Salem NJ; Clarence Gunter (Cookie) of Columbia, South Carolina; Beatrice Allen (Leon) of Clayton, NJ; Mable Ford (Barry) of Bear, DE; and Leroy Gunter of Bridgeton, NJ; 37 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren; two daughter in-laws that she loved, Lavern Gunter (deceased) and Charlene Gunter, and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Humbly Submitted, The Family