Alma Rose Dugan

Alma Rose Dugan, 63, of Clarksdale, Mississippi, passed away on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020. She was a patient at Baptist Memorial Hospital—Desoto in Southaven, Mississippi, recovering from a long-standing illness that began in 2011.  Rose, as she was affectionately called, was born and lived in Clarksdale her entire life.  Both parents, Johnnie B. Dugan and Vera Mae Bush Dugan preceded her in death.  Rose is the first among five siblings to pass.

She was a member of The City of Truth, under the ministry of Pastor Zedric Clayton.  She was baptized at an early age in the former named First Christian Church under Elder E. L. Griffin. Among her fondest roles in the church was singing in the choir and co-chairing the annual Easter programs, along with Angela McBride Glasper.  What a befitting season to say “good-bye.”

She attended elementary, middle and high school in Clarksdale, graduating from Clarksdale High School in 1974.  She later received a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Florida A&M University in 1981.  She began her work career with the Coahoma Opportunity Head Start program, served as an assistant teacher at Booker T. Washington Elementary School and later transferred to Clarksdale High School as an administrative assistant, under Principal Olenza Self McBride, whom she loved and respected. She retired from Clarksdale High School in 2011 due to health reasons.  She continued to assist students in after school reading programs. Rose loved and lived for the sisterly interaction of her sorority sisters.  She became a member of the Clarksdale-Marks Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in 2002 and worked wholeheartedly until she was hospitalized.  She looked forward to and attended meetings regularly. When feasible, her sorority sisters brought projects to her home.  Rose passed on what would have been her 18th year as a member.

Visitation will be Friday April 10, 2020 from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM at Royal Funeral Home.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no more than 10 people are allowed at a time.  There will be a graveside funeral Saturday at McLaurin Gardens for the immediate family only due to COVID-19 restrictions at 12:00 PM.

Rose leaves to cherish her memory, a daughter Yatasha Lakee Muskin (Gwin), three grandchildren, Lauren Ashley Sweargen (Pooh Bear), Kobe Brian Muskin, Karmen Deshaun Muskin and one great-grandson, Derrick Darnell Gross, Jr., all of Clarksdale Mississippi; her siblings, Joyce Dugan Wood, Birmingham, Alabama; Elois Jeannette Liggans (James), Buffalo, New York; Johnnie Pearl Benavidez (Ricky), Des Plaines, Illinois and Derix Kennard

Dugan, Sr.,Memphis, Tennessee. She spoke fondly of her nephews and niece, Vorrin Diere Liggans, Roy Norris Wood, Jr., Derix Kennard Dugan, II, Vashun Derrin Liggans, Marcus Ashley Benavidez, and Marla Michelle Dugan. She leaves to cherish more memories, a longtime family friend Marlene Jackson and an abundance of close friends.  

In lieu of flowers and other acts of kindness, please consider donating to the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., scholarship fund in honor of Rose. She would love that.

Due to COVID-19 please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others. A memorial service will be scheduled for Alma Rose Dugan as soon after this national crisis is cleared and we are safe to gather. 

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