The American Red Cross honors the memory of Rosemary Mote, who served the organization with dedication, humility and leadership for more than 30 years.

Rosemary turned her first job out of college into one of the most well-respected careers in the American Red Cross. She worked in a variety of roles in Dallas and, for a short time in Austin, since joining the organization in 1985.

Driven by a commitment to ensure every disaster survivor receives the support they need, Mote managed the North Texas disaster services department and also supported Service to the Armed Forces and International Services.

Rosemary’s career began as a caseworker, providing immediate help and hope to those impacted by disaster, and through seven promotions, she operated with the needs of her neighbors at the forefront of her mind.

“I am devastated by the loss of my friend and colleague Rosemary Mote,” said Keith Rhodes, CEO of the American Red Cross North Texas Region. “Rosemary was one of the most dedicated Red Cross employees I have ever met.

“Her loss is a heavy one to our organization and to the North Texas community. I know she would want us to remain focused on carrying out the mission to which she dedicated her life and we will do so in her honor. She will be missed.”

Rosemary served on numerous disaster relief operations including the crash of Delta Airlines Flight 191 in 1985, Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the 1999 Oklahoma tornadoes, the downtown Fort Worth tornado in 2000, the events of September 11, Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and many more. In addition to deployments out of North Texas, she directed local disaster relief operations and efforts to shelter thousands of people during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike and Gustav.

Last fall, Rosemary led the North Texas region through the Hurricane Harvey relief effort, helping provide safe shelter to nearly 3,900 displaced Texans over a six-week period.

A true leader, Rosemary’s legacy will live on through the numerous Red Crossers she has developed, mentored and guided throughout her career. In 2013, the Red Cross honored Rosemary’s humanitarian spirit and service to others by bestowing The Presidential Award of Excellence, the highest honor awarded to a Red Cross employee, during an annual ceremony held in Washington D.C.

Rosemary, a graduate of the University of North Texas, was born in the east Texas community of Linden. She grew up in Atlanta, Texas, and spoke with great affection of her hometown and the people there. In addition to her Red Cross family, Rosemary is survived by many family and friends.

Visitation is scheduled from 6-8 p.m., Friday, February 9, 2018, at Church of the Nazarene (104 N. Louise Street, Atlanta, TX 75551). Rosemary’s service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2018, also at Church of the Nazarene.

Condolences may be sent to Hanner Funeral Service (103 W. Main Street, Atlanta, TX 75551).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosemary’s memory may be made to American Red Cross Disaster Services (2055 Kendall Drive, Dallas, TX 75235).