Individual Details

Growing up in a time when farming and raising livestock was a way of life, Rosa Lee Furr was born 100 years ago in the small town of Newton. “I just go,” said Furr, explaining how she’s managed to stay healthy and active through her later years. Born as one of nine girls, including two sets of twins, of which Furr was one, the family was no stranger to hard work. “My daddy worked two jobs, at the mill in Kannapolis and for the railroad,” Furr said. “He was a strong man. He could take a railroad beam and just throw it on his shoulder to carry it. When he gardened, we didn’t have a horse, he pushed the plow himself. He was the horse.” Strength was passed on to Furr in both her determination and character. Marrying W.T. Furr in 1933, Furr has lived in several different cities and traveled overseas nine times. She has visited places on pilgrimage, such as Jerusalem, and at one point even riding on the back of a camel. “I told that man, ‘if you turn loose of this camel I’m going to get you,’” Furr said. As far as her favorite place to visit, Furr stated she loved Switzerland. “I thought it was so pretty.” During her time as a pastor’s wife, Furr’s ministry was in singing as the vocalist for the church. Her favorite songs include “I walk today where Jesus walked,” a solo she would perform in front of the congregation. She also enjoys “O what a Savior” and “Just a little talk with Jesus.” In 1978, Furr’s husband passed away unexpectedly after suffering a massive coronary. Just six days before his accident, Furr’s husband had decided to leave the parsonage provided by the church and purchase a new home in Jonesville. The new house became Furr’s home for nearly four decades, giving her a purpose and commitment during the years after her husband’s passing. With the support of her friends and congregants of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Furr decided to remain in her Jonesville home. While she’s lived alone for the last 36 years, Furr has never had the opportunity to get lonely. A constant stream of visitors are always checking in on her and, according to her son Joel Furr, “her house is a revolving door.” Furr has served as a friend and surrogate mother to the ladies of Pleasant Hill, endearingly known as “Mama” Furr. “I don’t mind that at all,” Furr said of the nickname. The church, which has a senior adult ministry, supplies Furr with CDs when she is unable to attend. “My church has not let me down,” said Furr. Furr’s looks can be misleading, with people often mistaking her for decades younger. “One day a man brought my lunch and asked how old I was and when I told him he said, ‘well you know all the presidents,’” said Furr with a smile. While Furr has lived through 17 presidents in office, her favorite was Harry Truman. “He wouldn’t let anyone run over him.” As far as her least favorite, she declined to comment. Born on May 17, 1915, Furr is quickly approaching her 100th birthday. Having maintained her sharp wits, independence and lighthearted humor, Furr is constantly baffling people with her age. “People are always telling her they think she’s 75,” said Joel Furr. The secret to her longevity, she contributes to living a moral life. “I’ve tried to live right for the Lord,” said Furr. “I read the Bible every day. I can’t see well anymore so I’ve got the big prints.” While remaining independent, Furr understands her limitations. When she was 94, Furr called her son and told him to come get her car. “I asked her what was wrong with it, I thought she needed something fixed,” said Joel Furr. “Instead she voluntarily wanted the car sold. She said she didn’t want to drive anymore.” As she reminisces about her life with her children, Furr jokingly questions their motives. “Are you sure ya’ll aren’t writing my obituary?” Furr said smiling. “Because I’m not dead yet.” When looking back over her life, Furr is pleased with all she was able to accomplish. “I’m satisfied, I’ve had a good life,” said Furr. Rosa Lee Furr will have a birthday celebration along with the Open House at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church on May 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. Members of the community are invited to drop by. Pleasant Hill is located at 593 Pleasant Hill Drive in Elkin.

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Birth	17 May 1915	Newton, Catawba County, NC
Marriage	16 Dec 1933	Rock Hill, York County, SC - Rev. Willard Thurman FURR
Death	14 Dec 2020	Elkin, Surry and Wilkes counties, NC
Burial		Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Pleasant Hill, Wilkes County, NC

Spouse	Rev. Willard Thurman FURR (1915 - 1978)
Child	Living
Child	Living
Child	Living
Child	Cathy Lavon FURR (1953 - 2021)

Father	George G. PROPST (1882 - )
Mother	Emma SIGMON (1883 - )

Notes