Rose Marie Lewis Appling, affectionately known as "Ree," peacefully fell asleep in death on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. Ree was born on September 10, 1952, in Dorchester County. She was the daughter of the late Roosevelt and Jestine Hayes Lewis.

At an early age, Ree joined St. Mark Baptist Church in the Texas Community, St. George, South Carolina. She served the church and community faithfully until she moved away.

Ree was a 1971 graduate of Harleyville-Ridgeville High School. After high school, she advanced her education at Denmark Technical College, Denmark, South Carolina. For many years, Ree was employed at the Palmetto Baptist Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.

Ree was loved by all who knew her and will truly be missed by her family and friends.

Ree leaves to cherish fond memories: three brothers, John L. Lewis and Odell Lewis, Dorchester, SC, and Jerry (Shirley) Lewis, Reevesville, SC; a special niece, Hattie Martino, St. George, SC; eight aunts; two uncles; four nieces; two nephews; two grand nieces; one grand nephew and a host of cousins. She was blessed with an extended and devoted family—Deborah (Rickie) Davis, Linda Moorer, Blanchtina Davis (god daughter), Charles Burketh, Gregg and Cherridella Means.