NASHVILLE - On December 4, 1937, the family home of Nora Gertrude "Trudy" Brigman and James Edward "Skinny" Brigman lit up as they gave birth to their first baby, Betty Rose Brigman.
Growing up in the family house, Betty Rose was surrounded by a rich heritage, including the godly life and Bible teachings of her mother and the diligence and tenacity of her grandmothers. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at nine years old and was baptized by Rev. June Ledder in Tar River following Bible School. She played softball and volleyball as well as piano, spent summers barning tobacco and sang in glee club.
One night in 1952, Betty Rose was spotted on the front porch of Clara Ann Gilbert's house on Franklin Street by country boy Rudolph Winstead. He was forever-smitten. It was love at first sight. He tried repeatedly to "ride her off" to get a Pepsi-Cola to no avail. Months later, after persistently chasing her with determination, he finally convinced her to give him a chance. Now for over 63 years of marriage he has continued that chase. "She was the one for me," he says with a smile. "It's her world; I just live in it."
That world has been highlighted by attending Gospel music concerts, singing in the church choir, building friendships and leading music services. Betty Rose and Rudolph led the Calvary Baptist Church youth choir for seven years, mentoring scores of teenagers, performing in concerts across the state and investing in the lives of young people.
Betty Rose was known for her housekeeping and decorating talents. Beyond the outward beauty, the door to the couple's home was always open as people, young and old, gathered around the piano to sing, around the living room hearth for missions meetings and around the kitchen table to laugh, eat and open up a Sun Drop.
That home became a foundation for their daughter, Celeste, who grew up receiving unconditional love, enthusiastic support, priceless wisdom, caring discipline and a sense of adventure from her parents. Betty Rose was a self-sacrificing, thoughtful mother who prioritized her daughter and lived by example the Biblical principles in which she believed. Her life was a reflection of Proverbs 31, and her household was one of faithfulness and stewardship.
Betty Rose worked dedicatedly at Burlington Industries, sent cards to loved ones, gave generously to ministries, offered a listening ear, shared sympathy, attended countless events to support others, kept folks laughing, prepared in advance and spent a decade caregiving faithfully alongside her beloved sister, Lu Ann, for their revered mother.
Betty Rose was the perfect, "fairytale" complement to Rudolph who loved her every day more than the one before. Their neighbors describe them now as "still on their honeymoon."
She made whatever space she entered feel like home through her sense of beauty, heart of kindness, tireless service, joyful creativity, words of encouragement and generosity of time.
On April 3rd, Betty Rose, having fought a good fight, kept the faith and shared her love and home with others, entered her own eternal place of rest-lovingly prepared for her-by her Savior Jesus Christ.
She is survived by her husband, Rudolph "Toad" Winstead, of Nashville, NC; daughter, Celeste Winstead, of Nashville, TN; brother-in-law, Romie Herring, of Raleigh NC; sister-in-law, Jean Winstead, of Costa Mesa, CA; aunt Katherine Brigman, of Louisburg, NC; numerous cousins and countless lives that will continue to be made richer by the eternal impact of seeds she has sown.
A Graveside Service to celebrate the life of Betty Rose will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at 2:00 PM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum. A visitation with the family will follow the service in the chapel until 4:30 PM.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is requesting the wearing of masks.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Betty Rose's memory to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Thursday 4/8, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
The family will be available to receive friends and relatives immediately following the service in the chapel until 4:30 PM.
Service
Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Thursday 4/8, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
A Graveside Service to celebrate Betty's life will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum with Pastor Brandon Dees and Rev. Royce Williams officiating.
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Thursday 4/8, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
A Graveside Service to celebrate Betty's life will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum with Pastor Brandon Dees and Rev. Royce Williams officiating.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Celeste and Rudolph I’m hugging you with my prayers and I pray God put you both in a bubble of his comfort as only he can. Betty Rose was a precious jewel in the kingdom. She left footprints on my heart and all those who were privileged to know her. I loved her laugh. I’m sure Herbert was a part of her welcoming committee in heaven.
Rudolph and Celeste, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort in the days ahead. I will certainly miss my phone calls from my dear and special friend. Knowing that she is now in her heavenly home and is no longer suffering, I hope it will help you two in the passing and healing of a very special part of your life for so many years. God bless you both always.
I can not express the Godly impact Betty Rose and Toad had on all the lives of their teen tribe at Calvary Baptist Church. You taught us the true meaning of God’s love and the love of a married couple accepting each of us as we were. You poured into us your love of music giving us the desire to travel and spread the love of Christ through song. Our lives would have been very different without your example. We can’t say thank you enough. I know when you reached heaven Betty Rose you heard you have have been a good and faithful servant. Toad and Celest know we are praying for your heavy hearts as you go through the loss of your loved one, but rest assured you will meet again. Pam
You always had a smile on your face and a hug for everyone. Heaven has another beautiful Angel in their choir.
So sorry for your loss.
Rudolph and family, I am sorry to hear of Betty Rose’s passing. May our Lord bless and comfort you and the family during this tragic time of loss. You have my sincere sympathy.
Rudolph and family, I am sorry to hear of Betty Rose’s passing. May our Lord bless and comfort you and the family during this tragic time of loss. You have my sincere sympathy.
To the Family Of Betty Winstead, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of such a kind heart and sweet soul, She will truly be missed she will forever have a special place in my heart, I’ve only known her for a short period of time but in that time she made such a impact on my life, I’m Honored to have had the pleasure of meeting her and getting to see her several times a week. Such a Angel has gained her wing so may she rest in the arms of the lord.
I am so sorry to hear of Ms. Betty’s passing. I have truly enjoyed getting to know you both and will certainly be praying for your family. I remember when I saw her last I told her how pretty she looked and she really seemed to be doing good that day and that is how I will remember her. God bless you through this difficult time.
Mr. Rudolph and Celeste, I’m so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Betty was so loved by all of us at the bank. She was beautiful inside and out and will be greatly missed. We all feel blessed to have known her. Praying for peace and comfort now and over the next several months.
So sorry for your loss – she was such a sweet person and always had a smile on her face. I know you will miss her but Heaven now has another angel. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love – Charles and Sophia Bridges
Rudolph Toad and Celeste, we are so sorry for your loss. Praying the Lord will surround you with comfort and peace during the days ahead. From Linda Brantley and Phyllis Farmer, daughters of Eddie and Mary Etta Pridgen
We have been Mrs. Betty and Mr. Toad neighbors for about 3 years. When we first met them, they showed us nothing but love. We cannot put into words what Mrs. Betty mean to us. Mrs. Betty was not just our neighbor, she was like family. We always enjoyed listening to her tell us about her and Mr. Toad when they first met, she always kept us laughing. She also taught me how to care for Peony plants. Mrs. Betty, we would like to Thank you for making us feel like family and showing us nothing but love. You will be well missed. We are just gonna say see you later because we will meet again. Mr. Toad, Celeste we pray for your strength during this difficult time. Love always Michael and Michelle Bellamy (your neighbors)
Mr. Rudolph and Celeste Winstead, Batty Rose was truly a Proverbs 31 woman. She and Rudolph welcomed my Sister, Barbara White Wallace and Vernon Wallace into their home many years. I will never forget when I went to your home with my sister and her husband. I took a friend with me. We listened to the melodies of many gospel songs about the love of Jesus Christ! My Mother, Husband, Chuck Manning and I visited Calvary Baptist Church many years. My sister, Barbara and Vernon were members of Calvary Baptist Church family. These are all precious memories and blessings my family will always cherish! John 316
My thoughts and prayers and love with you Rudolph and Celeste and family…I will always have great memories of Betty Rose…and you Rudolph, Love, [emailprotected] @nd Jill Newsome
In memory of Betty Rose Brigman Winstead, Hope White and Chuck Manning lit a candle
In memory of Betty Rose Brigman Winstead, Hope White and Chuck Manning lit a candle
Rudolph and family, I am so sorry to hear of Betty Rose’s passing. It’s been some time since I’ve seen you and her out for Sunday lunch. I had no idea that she was this ill. Please know that you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers during this season of your lifeπ’π’ππ»ππ»
Rudolph and family, I am so sorry to hear of Betty Rose’s passing. It’s been some time since I’ve seen you and her out for Sunday lunch. I had no idea that she was this ill. Please know that you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers during this season of your lifeπ’π’ππ»ππ»
Betty was a special friend and beautiful person. Even when she wasn’t feeling well, she was always calling to check on us. That was Betty, always putting others first. We will always cherish her and Toad’s friendship for as long as we live .
God bless you Betty Rose and Rudolph. You folks were so wonderful when mom and dad moved to Rocky Mount while I was away at college. I loved the time I got to spend with you folks singing in the choirs and going to gospel concerts. You have my thoughts and prayers forever. Rest in peace, Betty Rose.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time and always. We love you all! The Bailey’s (Lessie, Sammy, Camilla, Fred, Nikki, Bryan, Lori, and children)