Pondella M. Rose

Mrs. Pondella McDowell Rose was born into the loving arms of Herbert McDowell, Sr. and Beulah Hubbard McDowell on September 8, 1939 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  She was welcomed home to her final resting place on December 18, 2024.

After graduating from Second Ward High School, she attended the Winston-Salem Teacher’s College where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

“Live today as though you are going to die tomorrow, and work tomorrow as though you are going to live forever.”

-Pondella McDowell, Winston-Salem State Teacher’s College 1963 Yearbook-

Generations of students in Charlotte were touched by her care and compassion as a beloved educator during her thirty-one year career.  She received numerous honors, including 1991-1992 Teacher of the Year Award at Winterfield Elementary School and a 1996 Certificate of Appreciation from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education upon her retirement.

The Grier Heights Presbyterian Church that she attended as a child developed her devout relationship with God.  As an adult, she was a leader of the Girl Scouts, Missionary, and Vacation Bible School at Mayfield Memorial Baptist Church.   Later, as a dedicated member and trustee of Ebenezer Baptist Church, she served as prominent member of Hymn Choir, Senior Saints Bible Study, the Kitchen Service, and the Missionary Ministry.

Pondella’s service extended beyond her dedication in the classroom and church community efforts.  She was a celebrated leader in the Alpha Beta Chapter of Alpha Pi Chi Sorority, serving as Chapter President, Treasurer, State Recording and Financial Secretary, as well as President of the Charlotte City Council.  Pondella truly embodied Alpha Pi Chi’s motto, “Light the Way for Learning and Living.”

Mrs. Pondella McDowell Rose leaves to celebrate her legacy her loving son Larrick Rose and sister Helen M. Hughes. Proceeding her in death are her sisters Ella McDowell and Viedy Hubbard, and brothers Herbert McDowell, Jr., Bruce McDowell, George McDowell, and Robert Bowden. She leavers her nieces and nephews Sandra McDowell and Pamela Marcano; Beulah McDowell (deceased); George McDowell, Jr. and Krystal McDowell; Marilyn Wilkerson (deceased), Helena McDowell, and Marsha McDowell; Octavia Freeman and Robert O. Hughes, III; Sebastian McDowell and Graylin McDowell. Grand nephew Raymond McDowell and a host of grand-nieces and grand nephews.