Rosemary Phillips Beggs

Rosemary Phillips Beggs, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, cousin, and friend passed away in her home on December 21st, 2023. Born in Tifton, Georgia on May 24, 1935, Rosemary was the only child of the late Helois Shiver Phillips and Wesley Corbett Phillips. She graduated from Tifton High School and Mercer University, where she was an active member of Phi Mu sorority. Rosemary wed the late Tifton native Dr. George Henry Beggs on June 16, 1957. In 1965, George accepted a teaching position at Kennesaw Junior College, prompting their move to Marietta. Rosemary earned her EdS from West Georgia College during her 30-year tenure as a teacher with Cobb County Schools. She valued all aspects of education, being an active member of the educational sorority Delta Kappa Gamma and a long-time supporter of Kennesaw State University. George and Rosemary joined First Baptist Church of Marietta and were active, devoted members throughout their lives. Rosemary belonged to a prayer group for over 30 years which provided an intimate circle of loving friendships. Always looking to keep her social calendar full, Rosemary looked forward to participating in the Mary & Martha Sunday School Class, the Mountain Laurel Garden Club, birthday and investment clubs, and Lee’s Crossing Leesure Ladies. Her favorite pastimes included gathering with family at home or on vacation, having afternoon tea every day, playing bridge, and watching movies with her friends who coined the moniker “Sweet Rosemary” because of her kind and loving spirit. While an only child, she loved her cousin Theresa Swan as the little sister she never had. They enjoyed antique shopping and remembered growing up in Tifton under the watchful eyes of their strong Shiver mothers and aunts. After George died in 2009, she flourished under the love, care, and constant support of her next-door neighbor and daughter-in-law Linda. Rosie frequently traveled to St. Simons with her brother-and-sister-in-law Mike and Lola Beggs who treated her like royalty. Above all else, she cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and especially great-grandmother. Her grandchildren called her “Grand Rosie.” With the addition of great-grandchildren, the endearment was revised to “The Very Grand Rosie.” Rosemary is survived by her son Phillip Beggs (Linda); daughter Leigh Colburn (Doug); grandson John Colburn (April) and great-grandson Gabriel; grandson Phillip Colburn (Rachel); granddaughters Georgia and Samantha Beggs; in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband George and great-granddaughter Rosemary June Colburn. Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church of Marietta Chapel on December 30th beginning at noon, followed by a 2:00 pm service. Rosemary’s grandson, The Reverend John Colburn will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the George & Rosemary Beggs Scholarship fund at Kennesaw State University Foundation (3391 Town Point Drive NW, MD 9101, Kennesaw, GA 30144) or First Baptist Church of Marietta (148 Church Street Marietta, GA 30060).

Rosemary Phillips Beggs

May 24, 1935 - December 21, 2023