Rosemary A. Abramson

Rosemary A. Abramson, 93, of Holly Grove, died January 29, 2013. Rosemary was born September 5, 1919, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Ike Alperin and Hannah Rubin Alperin. She graduated from Humes High School in Memphis. She married Ralph D. Abramson in 1946, and lived her adult life in Holly Grove, Arkansas. She and family were members of Temple Beth El in Helena, Arkansas. Rosemary was devoted to her family, her community, and her animals. She was a Cub Scout den mother for many years, and helped raise several generations of boys through the scouting program. She was active in the Holly Grove PTA, serving several terms as President. She served as President of the Holly Grove Women's Club, and was the founder of the Holly Grove Horse Show. She was a familiar figure in the 1960's and 70's on the Mid-South Saddle Horse Show Circuit, winning numerous championships in Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, and Kentucky on her five-gaited horses including Mr. Memphis, Denmark's Liberty Miss, and Candyman. She began riding as a child on her pony on Parkway in Memphis. She kept her equestrian tradition alive with her retired show horses in Holly Grove, and continued to ride her most recent horse, Magic, until age 91. Rosemary was also a natural with her dogs, who were her constant and beloved companions, with the latest being her German Shepherd, Tess. She raised beautiful roses and enjoyed the outdoors by walking, riding bicycles, playing tennis, and dancing—preferably at the Skyway at the Peabody in Memphis. She was an avid reader and a supporter of the Holly Grove library. She was a local philanthropist, quietly feeding and clothing many needy families in Holly Grove. Rosemary was predeceased in death by her husband, Ralph D. Abramson, and her son, R. David Abramson. She was also predeceased by her sister, Leone Kline of Anguilla, Mississippi, and her brother, Edward Franks, of Memphis. She is survived by her son Raymond Abramson and her beloved daughter-in-law, Mockie Abramson, as well as her grandchildren, Joshua Abramson and his wife Shanna and their son, Maeson of Tupelo, Mississippi; Rosemary Anne Abramson and her husband Charles Baldner of Redwood City, California; and Emily Abramson of Harrisonburg, Virginia. Visitation will be held between 4 and 6 p.m. Saturday, February 2, 2013, at the Bob Neal Funeral Home in Clarendon. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Temple Israel Cemetery in Memphis, with Rabbi Eugene Levy officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Smith Holly Grove Library, P.O. Box 432, Holly Grove, 72069.