Rosefrances Newsom Lasker, 83, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, in Rock
Hill, South Carolina. She was born October 30, 1942, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Rose grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, where she attended Peabody Demonstration
School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from Wake Forest University,
graduating magna cum laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She attended
graduate school at Vanderbilt University and later earned a Master’s Degree through the
University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center in Memphis. Later in life, driven by her
lifelong love of learning and teaching, she returned to school and earned a Bachelor of
Science in education and mathematics from Bluefield State University.
Throughout her career, Rose combined her love of education, technology, and curiosity
about the world. She taught Microsoft Office and computer courses at National
Business College and taught mathematics, computer science, and special education for
Mercer County Schools at Bluefield High School and Bluefield Junior High. During her
time with Mercer County Schools, she also participated in one of the county’s early
distance learning programs, teaching courses including Japanese and Russian and
helping introduce innovative technology-based instruction to students across multiple
locations.
Rose also worked at Bluefield Regional Medical Center, where she served as a
Microsoft Application Analyst and later as Director of Information Services before
retiring from Bluefield Regional Medical Center.
She shared her time and talents with many organizations. Rose served as Appearance
Coordinator for the Miss West Virginia Scholarship Organization from 2008 to 2014 and
as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Monroe Health Center. She also
volunteered with the Monroe County Historical Society.
Rose lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, as well as Bluefield and Union, West Virginia,
communities she loved and where she built lasting friendships. In Union, through her
work with the Monroe Health Center, she met Michelle Ballard, and the two developed a
close friendship that Rose cherished.
Rose had a deep love of animals and nature. She enjoyed gardening and caring for her
plants and flowers, hiking, whitewater rafting, music, acting, cooking, and exploring new
experiences. She devoted special care to the many pets she rescued and the barn cats
she faithfully looked after over the years. Among those especially dear to her were
Charlie, Dave, Benji, and Petey.
She was preceded in death by her life partner, Rich Sebolt; her second husband, Don
Donavan; her son, Josh Lasker; and her parents, William Hill and Clara Lawrence
Newsom.
She is survived by her children: Leah Summers; Aaron Lasker and wife Nikki; Jonathan
Lasker and wife Heather; and Katie Jackson and partner Greg. She is also survived by
her daughter-in-law, Judith Lasker.
Rose is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Holton, Jackson, and Preston
Summers; Ana and David Lasker; Kay Ann, Hill, and Madison Lasker; and Brandon
Lasker. She also remained close throughout her life with several beloved cousins.
Rose maintained a close relationship with the father of her children, Bruce Lasker.
Rose will be remembered for her intelligence, adventurous spirit, deep curiosity, and the
encouragement she gave others to learn, explore, and experience life fully. Those who
knew Rose — family and friends alike — will remember her love of learning, her lively
conversations, and the way she never stopped exploring the world around her.
No public services are planned. A memorial service for close family and friends will be
planned at a later time.
Memorial donations may be made to the Monroe County Animal
League at https://mcalwv.com.
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net