Rose Marie Williams peacefully transitioned into the arms of her Savior, surrounded by love, leaving behind a life marked by devotion to God, to her family, to service, and to the people whose lives were touched by her kindness. She lived with purpose, led with grace, and loved with her whole heart.
Rose was born on June 20, 1949, in Milledgeville, Georgia, to John Henry Arnold, Sr. and Georgia Butts Arnold. As the middle child between two brothers, John Henry “Chick” Arnold, Jr. and Morris Eugene Arnold, she grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and resilience. Losing her father at an early age, Rose was raised by her determined mother, who instilled in her the values of hard work, faith, and family. Faith was the foundation of Rose’s life, beginning in her early years at Vaughn Chapel Baptist Church in Milledgeville, where she served as an usher.
She graduated from Boddie High School in 1966. Shortly thereafter, she met and married the late Royce Renfroe, and from this union her only beloved daughter, Nikki Renée Renfroe, was born. Rose then began what would become a lifelong commitment to public service with the Georgia Department of Corrections, where she served with distinction for decades and retired as a prison Warden. Throughout her career, she was widely respected as a leader and trailblazer, known for her professionalism, fairness, and integrity, and for breaking barriers for women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rose was beloved for who she was. She had a laugh that could fill a room, a smile that warmed any space she entered, and a spirit that drew people in effortlessly. She never met a stranger. If she thought of you, she called you. If you needed help, she was already on the way. She loved people deeply and sincerely, and demonstrated her love through action.
Affectionately known to her family as “Marie” or “Ree,” Rose was the same bubbly, positive, and upbeat woman everyone loved—confident, capable, and very much in charge. A radiant presence, she was a true ray of sunshine whose joy was contagious.
Family meant everything to Rose. She raised her daughter, Nikki, with intention, teaching her the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion. Their bond was unbreakable. Rose was not only Nikki’s mother, but her guide, mentor, and steady rock. She was present for every milestone, every accomplishment, and every season of growth, offering wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support. She taught Nikki how to navigate life head-on, how to stand independently, lead with confidence, and move through majority-male spaces with poise, professionalism, and integrity, never compromising who she was. If you knew Rose and did not know Nikki’s name, then you did not truly know Rose at all, because her life, her pride, and her purpose were deeply intertwined with being Nikki’s mother.
In 1996, Rose married George Williams, a kind and gentle man who adored her. Their union brought her joy, protection, companionship, and peace. Together, they served faithfully at Greater Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in Warner Robins, Georgia, where Rose cooked and served meals, visited the sick, sang in the choir for a time, participated in marriage retreats, and built lifelong friendships. Her faith guided her words, her work, and her love for others.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry Arnold, Sr. and Georgia Butts Arnold; her beloved brother, John Henry “Chick” Arnold, Jr.; and her husband, George Williams.
She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Nikki Renée Renfroe; her loving brother, Morris Eugene Arnold; nieces LaTonya (Frank) Thompkins, Tierra Arnold, and Kionna (Kaliph) Arnold-Jackson; nephews Jason Arnold and Kareem Arnold; great-nephew Keenan Parham, who held a special place in her heart; devoted companion Clark Lucky; and a host of cousins, friends, and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation www.cpof.org