of Fayetteville, AR
August 18, 1927 - February 2, 2013
Johnnie Faye Rosell, age 85, died February 2, 2013 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She was born August 18, 1927 in Briggsville, Arkansas, the oldest daughter of Myrtle Mae Stout and Ralph Waldo Tolleson.
Johnnie practiced as a registered nurse for 47 years. As a young woman, she left her home in Bigelow, Arkansas to train at St. Vincent Infirmary School of Nursing as a Cadet Nurse during WWII. After her marriage in 1948 to Daniel Rosell, of Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, she practiced nursing in Virginia and Pennsylvania. Johnnie and Daniel relocated to Arkansas in 1962.
She became a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in 1965. Subsequently, she served as the Director of the St Vincent Infirmary School of Nursing Anesthesia where she practiced and taught nursing anesthesia until 1974. In 1974 she became a staff Nurse Anesthetist at Baptist Hospital until her retirement in 1995.
Johnnie was instrumental in the formulation of national and state governmental policy regarding the profession of nursing anesthesia. She was an organizational leader of the Arkansas Association of Nurse Anesthetists, holding many offices including that of President. She was a committee chairperson for the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and was an important voice on the Governmental Relations committee.
Governor Bill Clinton appointed her to a 4 year term on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing in 1979 during which she served as Chairman of the Board of Nursing for part of her term. She also served as the Arkansas Representative to the National Council of State Boards of Nurses.
Johnnie was an expert in the crafting and collecting of porcelain dolls, orchid horticulture, and an avid fisherman. She loved to paint, read, quote poetry, and travel. She was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Johnnie was preceded in death by her husband, of 45 years, Daniel and her sister Kathleen Gregory. She is survived by 4 daughters: Danna K. Carver (Patrick) Alexander, Arkansas; Rosemarie Rosell Houston, Texas; Annamaria Langston Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Mary Ellen Greer (Dyer) San Antonio, Texas. Her grandchildren, Dawn Carver Blake, Ellie Test, Danny Greer, Katie Greer and Marco Langston Jr. were the light of her life. Her surviving brother Ralph Tolleson, Jr. is of Conway Arkansas.
She forged a life legacy of professionalism, individualism, and leadership. She touched the lives and hearts of so many.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, (501)224-8300. A Rosary will be held there Tuesday, February 5, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. with a visitation following from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church February 6, 2013 at 1:00 p.m., followed by interment at Forest Hills Memorial Park.
Johnnie's family would like to thank the staffs of Washington Regional Hospital and the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville for their excellent care and support during her illness.
Memorials may be made to the Johnnie Rosell Nurse Anesthesia Education Grant, JR Acree, ARANA, 84 Cypress Creek Drive, Cabot, AR 72023.
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16 Condolence(s)
Scott F. Sillence
Saturday, January 10, 2015
I am going to miss your physical presence during all your Easter Egg hunts at your North Fork River home. We will all miss you and you will be in our hearts forever.
Your neighbor at Gene's Trout Fishing Resort, Salesville, Arkansas. Scott
Mary Shenker
Monday, February 11, 2013
I knew Johnnie for many years. She was the reason I became active in Ark Association of Nurse Anesthetists I could not b present at her funeral due to personal medical reasons. I pray for the repose of her soul and was very happy to have known her. My condolences to her family.
Erica
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
To my dearest friend Mary Ellen;
I am so blessed to have met your mom over the years. What a fabulous woman.
I love you
David Rouby
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Be grateful, be thoughtful ,be patient with yourself and time will give you perspective and healing. Treasure the memories and live as a proud daughter of a wonderful woman. I think of my mother now more than ever and realize the beauty and depth of her love and her caring nature. I am certain that you will do the same and in doing so, keep your mother's memories alive in you and those you share the moments with.
Cece Cockburn
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Danna and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. god bess you and Johnnie.
Lyuba & Martin Bogan
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Johnnie will always be in my memory as an amazing spunky lady who never stopped enjoying life and learning new things. I so loved giving her (and you, Danna!) pastel drawing lessons - I was learning much from her too! She called me right after the lightning struck the building where my studio is a few months ago - she was inquiring if I was ok and inviting me to stop by if I happen to be in Fayetteville... She was an amazing lady - a role model for me - I hope to be as vibrant as she was if/when I reach a ripe old age of 80! We are so sorry for your loss - hugs to all your family.
Betty Voorhies
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Johnny was a very special person and I share your grief over her loss. Pink was always her color and that is a great pitcher.
Love You
Betty Voorhies
Janice Seghal
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
My love and prayers are with you all
Carole Hamon
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Dear Danna and Pat,
I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed Johnnie and her zest for life and her painting. Please accept my condolences.
Carole Hamon
Matt Greer
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Dear Rosell's-
I'd certainly say Johnnie Faye met the definition of a "life well-lived"! I, too, have a few ladies in my life that are not shy about expressing an opinion. I just hope she takes it easy on St. Peter. Love all you ladies and hope to see you soon!
Sam Greer
Monday, February 4, 2013
Mary Ellen and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your Mama was a remarkable woman and a great role model for her beloved grandkids. RIP Johnnie Faye.
Sam
Jay Greer
Monday, February 4, 2013
God bless you Rosell sisters. Your Mom was a true lady. I always enjoyed watching the exchange when you all got together.
Margaret Beery
Monday, February 4, 2013
Dear Mary Ellen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. One of my favorite authors wrote, "God gave us memories, so we could have roses in December."
Margaret Beery
Monday, February 4, 2013
Dear Mary Ellen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. One of my favorite authors wrote, "God gave us memories, so we could have roses in December."
MARGARET BEERY
Monday, February 4, 2013
Dear Mary Ellen,
Marjorie Rothschild
Monday, February 4, 2013
I am so sorry I can not be there for the services. I feel as though you are family and am truely saddened by the loss of your mother. I will send in a donation to her chairty. Love to you all. Marjorie Rothschild