February 8, 2026, 89, Mount Olive – Mrs. Rose Barwick Carter Mellette, 89, long-time resident of the Mount Olive area, passed away Sunday evening, February 8, 2026, while in the care of Kitty Askins Hospice Center, surrounded by her daughters and her sister.
Born and raised in the Bethel Church community near Mount Olive, she was a hard-working woman who always was willing to do for others, often before taking care of her own needs. She dearly loved her family, especially her grandchildren, and made sure they had a “sit down” meal when they came to her home.
A talented seamstress, she had worked at Young Squire Industries where she was a departmental manager. Along with her duties at work, she often did sewing and alterations at her home for the convenience of family, neighbors, and friends.
A crafty lady, she would reproduce anything that she saw. She found enjoyment in dancing, traveling, and spending time at the beach. Having been raised in Bethel Methodist Church, she always referred to it as being her home, and it was there that she attended for most of her life. In recent years, she had worshipped with the congregation at Deep Run First Baptist Church.
While sewing and crafts assumed most of her life’s work, she had also been a substitute school teacher for local schools in her retirement years.
A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Rose will be Wednesday, February 11, at 6:00 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home. Officiating will be the Rev. Paul Rose. Visitation will take place at the funeral home immediately following the service, and at other times at the home of Gail Herring in Calypso. Burial will be held privately in Maplewood Cemetery in Mount Olive, where her remains will rest beside of Vernon Carter, her beloved husband. Flowers are welcome, or memorial gifts may be made to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Named Essie Rose at birth, she became known as simply Rose during her adult years. Among those who survive are her daughters and a son-in-law, Gail D. Herring of Calypso, and Connie D. and Robert Strickland of Raleigh; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann and Ricky Willis of Newport; beloved grandchildren, Adam Herring, Josh Herring and wife, Robyne; great-grandchildren, Harley Plourde and husband, Tyler, Parker Herring, Raegan Herring, Cannon Herring, and Scarlett Herring; a great-great-grandchild, Blake Plourde; and numerous nieces and nephews, and their families.
In addition to Mr. Carter, she was preceded in death by her parents, Morris James Barwick and Essie Sullivan Barwick; brothers, Ronnie Barwick and James A. “Jimmy” Barwick; a sister, Elnor Brickhouse; a granddaughter, Tanya Strickland; and a son-in-law, Steve Herring.
Indeed, Mrs. Mellette was a good neighbor and friend, and she and her talents will be deeply missed.
