Rose Leigh Vines

Rose Leigh Bilbrey Vines passed away in Nashville on August 21, 2023 after a brief illness.

Born in Cookeville on July 7, 1945, she was the daughter of Robert Lee Bilbrey and Rubye Rose Moore Bilbrey. She is survived by her sister, Melinda Swann (Ron), cousin Andrea Lee (Penny) Hooper (Steve), nephews Jeff Swann (Sarah), Ben Swann (Megan), and Robert Swann (Ashley), ten great-nephews and nieces, and a number of cousins.

After graduating from Tennessee Tech and the School of Medical Technology at St Thomas Hospital, Rose Leigh worked as a Med-tech for eleven years before earning her PhD in Anatomy from the University of Kentucky. From there she relocated to Sacramento, CA, and embarked on an illustrious thirty-eight year career in higher education at California State University, and later at California Northstate University. Rose Leigh returned to Cookeville in 2017 to be near family in retirement.

In addition to being a lifelong member of Cookeville First United Methodist Church, she enjoyed membership in numerous professional organizations, and was active in the local chapter of PEO.

A Celebration of Life will be at 1 p.m. Friday September 1 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Dr. Kevin Conrad will officiate. Her family will welcome friends Friday from 11 a.m. until time of services.

In lieu of flowers, the family believes Rose Leigh would prefer donations to the university, scholarship fund, or charity of your choice.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.