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Marion Rosemore, a native Alabamian whose life epitomized the intrepid spirit that propels the success of the American dream, passed away on May 31. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Dr. Fred Rosemore, a true hero who endured two years in a Nazi POW camp during WWII.
Mrs. Rosemore was a member of the Greatest Generation, shaping not only Alabama but the entire United States during and after WWII. Alongside her husband, she raised their family in Alabama, where Fred practiced optometry and started the first all-black radio station in Tuscaloosa. Together, they built an impressive business empire right from their kitchen table, culminating in the establishment of a company listed on the American Stock Exchange.
Dr. Rosemore, born June 6, 1923, served as a B-17 navigator in WWII, completing 22 combat missions before becoming a POW in Hungary. His bravery earned him numerous accolades, including the Air Medal Oak Leaf Cluster, Presidential Unit Citation, five Battle Stars, a Prisoner of War medal, and two Purple Hearts. An Alabama optometrist for over 30 years, community leader, and entrepreneur, he and Marion founded PMC Capital, which became public. Their philanthropic efforts through the Rosemore Foundation touched countless lives.
Marion’s contributions extended far beyond her family’s business ventures. She was a prominent figure in the optometry community and played a significant role in the Fredric and Marion Rosemore Family Foundation, collaborating with the American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) to provide grants and scholarships. These initiatives included the Fredric Rosemore Low Vision Educational Grant, supporting professionals dedicated to low vision rehabilitation and education. Her role as treasurer for the Rosemore Family Foundation and her association with several companies over a 16-year period further cemented her legacy.
In 2011, the Alabama House of Representatives celebrated Mrs. Rosemore, an Alabamian who epitomized the American dream.
In 2017, the House once again recognized Mrs. Rosemore’s achievements after she received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Southern College of Optometry. This honor highlighted her significant contributions to the optometry profession, with numerous family members holding Doctor of Optometry degrees. Marion’s unwavering support for optometric education and her philanthropic endeavors set a standard for others to follow.
Mrs. Rosemore was the mother-in-law of former state Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow. Her daughter, Martha, Morrow’s wife, was an optometrist like her father and a well-known figure in the State House during legislative sessions.
Mrs. Rosemore is survived by her five children: Dr. Andrew Rosemore (Evelyn), Lance Rosemore (Lisa), Dr. Martha Morrow (Johnny Mack), Susan Gravlee (Macon), and Margaret Freeman (David). Her legacy lives on through her 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
In the end, Marion Rosemore’s life was a testament to resilience, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community. Her contributions to optometry and her philanthropic spirit will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
