Rosemary Willis Melendez

Mrs. Rosemary Willis Melendez, 84, of Cottageville, entered into rest Thursday afternoon, September 25, 2025, at her residence surrounded by the love of her adoring family. She was the wife of sixty-four years to the late Mr. Louis Vincent Melendez, who preceded her in death in July of 2024.

Born February 3, 1941, in Walterboro, South Carolina, she was a daughter of the late George Morgan Willis and the late Dorothy Benton Willis. Rosemary devoted her life to her family, always centering her life around those she loved. For a number of years, she along with her late husband resided in Charleston (his hometown) where they managed the snack bar at Bishop England High School. While in Charleston, they were faithful in their attendance and membership at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

She will always be remembered for love of life and beautiful smile. She enjoyed dancing and Shag festivals as well as cruises to the Caribbean, shrimping and crabbing, as well as spending the weekends with her family on the water.

Surviving are: three children, Vince Melendez (Grace) of Oregon, Mark Melendez (Rosalind) of Hawaii, and Michelle Melendez Howington of Walterboro; a sister, Kaye Willis Hull of Cottageville; three grandchildren, Ginger Cardwell (Tony), Morgan Melendez, and Dominick Melendez; and three great grandchildren, Myles Cardwell, Bennett Cardwell, and River Lee Melendez.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed in her memory to: Agape Hospice, 113 East Washington Street, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488; or to the charity of one’s choice.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 o’clock Monday morning, September 29, 2025, from The Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Chapel, Walterboro. Pastor Alfred Willis officiating. Interment will follow in Cottageville Cemetery, Jacksonboro Road, Cottageville. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral ceremony beginning at 10 o’clock that morning.

ARRANGEMENTS BY: THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.