Rosa Lee Plunkett

CARBONDALE – Rosa Lee Plunkett, 93, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at The Landings at Reed Station Crossing.

Rosa Lee was born March 7, 1931 in Sesser to the late Albert and Viva (Harrison) Cockrum. She attended Southern Illinois University where she met and fell in love with Anderson Buell “A.B.” Plunkett at the Baptist Student Union. Rosa Lee and A.B. married on September 1, 1951. Together they shared 68 years of making memories. He preceded her in death on February 21, 2020.

Rosa Lee obtained her Bachelor and Master’s degree in Elementary Education at SIU. She made a lasting impact on countless students throughout her career. She taught in various schools, including Eldorado, Rock Island, Pomona, and ultimately Du Quoin, where she taught until retirement.

After A.B. completed seminary schooling, together they served in several churches throughout Illinois. Rosa Lee’s involvement included teaching Sunday school, pianist, directing choirs and worship leader that touched the lives of many. Her family meant the world to her, and she cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren. 

Rosa Lee found joy in tending to her flower gardens, sewing and expressing her artistic flair through painting, particularly landscapes, old barns and covered bridges. Music also held a special place in her heart, singing, and playing the piano with passion. Her love for music echoed through her life and inspired those around her, especially her children and students. 

Rosa Lee and A.B. became members of The Ridge Church upon their last move to Carbondale. She will be forever remembered for the lives she touched through the years with her kindness, dedication, and love.

Rosa Lee is survived by son, Randy (Pam) Plunkett of Eldorado, two daughters: Karen (Alan) Dover of DeSoto, Carla June (Dr. Don) Bishop of Carbondale; brother, Leon Cockrum; sisters, Judy Gurley and Phyllis Stroup; ten grandchildren, Josh (Lisa) Dover, Andrea (Tim) Austin, Joy (Brad) Costephens, Bret Plunkett, David (Hanna) Bishop, Rebekah Futia, Amber (Joe) Todey, Daniel Bishop, Anna (Kyle) Bloom, Benjamin Bishop; eighteen great grandchildren, Patrick, Ethan, Matthew, Max, Malcolm, Isaac, Caroline, Aiden, Jaya, Emma, Izzy, Hannah, Charlie, Marnie, Hope, Logan, Olivia, and Blake. 

In addition to her husband, A.B. and parents, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Donald, Dale, Frank, Jerry, and Burl Cockrum.

Funeral Services for Rosa Lee will be at 12:00pm on Monday, November 11, 2024 at Meredith Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Young officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00am until 12:00pm on Monday at the funeral home. Private burial will be held on Tuesday in Wolf Creek Cemetery, Eldorado. 

For those who cannot attend the service on Monday, it will be live streamed by clicking here:  Live Stream

Memorials in Rosa Lee’s name may be made to The Ridge Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave a story or memory of Rosa Lee, visit www.meredithfh.com.