'A YOUNG MAN WHO ONCE HAD A DREAM OF BEING AN INDEPENDENT BUSINESSMAN FINALLY GOT A CHANCE TO SEE THAT DREAM COME TRUE�. S. JEROME ROSE JULY 3, 1937 � MARCH 2, 2011 Samuel Jerome Rose was born July 3, 1937 in Sumter, S.C. to Earline Spann-Rose and Eddie Rose. Upon graduating high school in 1955, Jerome, as he was commonly known, migrated to New York then New Jersey to live with his brother Clifton Rose and to pursue his goals and education. Jerome worked numerous odd jobs until he discovered his true passion, sales. Starting as a store clerk, Jerome learned the manufacturing and distribution business from the bottom up, eventually earning a position as sales manager for Lester Products, a small hair care manufacturing and distribution company located in Jersey City. While at Lester�s, Jerome developed and built a sales territory expanding from Ohio to North Carolina with one simple motto taught to him by his mentor Mr. McLester McKee, �See People�. He did all this while attending night courses at Rutgers University. Staying true to the motto �see people�, Jerome ventured out and opened Independent Beauty Supply on January 23, 1974 and became incorporated in February of that same year. With only a small customer base, no financial backing and limited human resources, Jerome had his share of opposition and negatives forces. Many said the company would never last more than six months, but now 37 years later, IBS is one of the largest African American owned and operated manufacturer direct distributors of salon exclusive, professional brands in the country. With 15 employees, two retail locations and a customer base of over 6, 000 salons, IBS employs family members at every level of the organization. S. JEROME ROSE HAS PROVEN THAT IF YOU REALLY BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE IF YOU FOLLOW YOUR DREAM. Jerome leaves to cherish his memories, a dedicated wife of 50 years, Louise Rose; two children, Denise Michelle Rose and Tyrone Rose (Lisa G. Rose); three adoring grandchildren, Jordan E. Rose, Sydney N. Rose and Zoe P. Rose; two brothers Franklin L. Rose and Irvin Spann; four sisters Sadie McCray(Baltimore, Md), Ethel Wright(Sumter, S.C.), Corine Belser (Baltimore, Md) and Annie Nathaniel (Hempstead, NY); four sisters in law Ethel Rose, Vertus Rose, Peggy Spann and Joyce Spann; dear friends Bubba Johnson and Roosevelt Gordon; one Goddaughter Keshia King; a host of adoring nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, loved ones and business associates who held him in the highest regard. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Samuel Jerome Rose. You are invited to add a Tribute in his memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.