RoseMary was born the fourth of six children to Josiah and Rose Layton. RoseMary grew up primarily running the shores of Lake Lenape and surrounding townships with her family and friends, who were each the best at something, as the legends tell. RoseMary grew up happy and loved in her big family, exploring the woods, and participating in Girl Scouts all the way into high school. RoseMary graduated from Newton High School in 1971, moving to Florida soon therafter, where she began her family with Lee Mapel. Lee joined the Air Force, so the family traveled a lot, which she loved, even going as far as the Philippine Islands. Rose Mary was an avid soft ball player, substitute and special education teacher, swimmer, umpire, drafter, and interior designer. A woman known for her big personality, for "having a loud mouth that never shuts up," Rose Mary lived a life full of laughter and sass, surrounded by people who loved her for her authenticity. Hers was the home all the neighborhood kids flocked to when her kids were growing up, often being "Mom" to her children's friends. Having never met a stranger, RoseMary was a friend, confidant, and protector to many she befriended. She enjoyed music, dancing, the beach, the mountains and all the wild places. RoseMary loved her children, pets, friends, and a good party. A rabid reader, she would often be found at the kitchen table, book in hand with a cup of hot tea beside her. Having divorced and never remarrying, she moved close to her children and enjoyed spending her later years in an RV in the woods. She loved the sound of the rain on the tin roof and the wind in the trees. She loved her children fiercely and her pets like they were children. Rose Mary died surrounded by her children and daughter-in-law. Rose Mary was preceeded in death by her parents, Rose and Josiah H and her siblings Josiah F, Peter, Marion, and Kevin. Rose Mary is survived by her brother, Robert "Bob"; her children Shaun, Michael, and Susan; and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rose Mary will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. The world is a darker place in her absence.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-6 p.m. CST September 5, 2026 at the Holiday Inn, Saffron Room, 1091 S. WIllow Ave. Cookeville, TN 38501