Minnie L. Rouse

Minnie Eva Loney Rouse, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by her loving family.
Minnie leaves behind a legacy measured not only in years, but in kindness given, lives touched, and love that will not fade.

Minnie, affectionately called “Bop” and “Minnie Eva” by her family, was born on September 26, 1948, in Sumter, South Carolina, to William Arthur and Natalie Brazilia Howard Loney. From an early age, she showed a spirit that was both curious and generous, drawn to helping others and guided by a deep sense of compassion that
remained constant throughout her life. Those formative years were marked by strong family bonds, education, and community.

Growing up, Minnie spent time on her family’s farm in Dalzell, South Carolina. She attended Mather Academy, the historic Black school founded by the New England Southern Conference of the Women’s Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Church. Minnie attended the University of South Carolina, where she was a civil rights student leader. During her time there, she once famously came to the aid of “The Godfather of Soul,” James Brown, sharing her hooded hair dryer so he could perfect his voluminous pompadour in time for an evening concert in Columbia. It was also at USC that Minnie met the love of her life, Bishop Claude Rouse, Jr.

In 1968, Minnie married Bishop, and the couple soon moved to Shelby, North Carolina, with their three young children. There, she welcomed their fourth child at age 34—considered groundbreaking at the time. Guided by her compassionate nature, Minnie built her career as a social worker for the Cleveland County Department of Social Services, retiring after 20 years and earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, friends, and the community.

While devoted to her work, she reared her four children with grace and determination—sending each of them to college to pave their way. She was their steadfast advocate, constant source of support, and proudest cheerleader - winning the 1988 Burns Senior High “Maddog Wrestling Fan of the Year” trophy. Whether through her work in social services or her commitment to her four children, Minnie approached every endeavor with integrity, humility, and quiet determination.

Deeply rooted in her faith and commitment to service, Minnie was a devoted church member throughout her life. She was a member of Washington Missionary Baptist Church, Shelby, NC, and was a founding member of New Life Christian Church, Kings Mountain, NC. After moving to Connecticut in 1996, she joined the United Methodist Church of Danbury, where she served faithfully for 30 years. A true servant leader, Minnie contributed in many roles, including Sunday School superintendent, chancel choir member, bell choir performer, Women’s Ministry, liturgical dancing, lay leader, and lay speaker. She also served with great dedication for many years as the elected congregational representative to the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, ensuring the voice of her church was heard and represented in the larger mission of faith.

Entrepreneurial in spirit and generous at heart, Minnie extended her services to business and community in 2002 when she and Bishop opened the doors to United Check Cashing in Danbury. Although they were co-owners, Minnie was the self- proclaimed “Top Dog CEO.” For more than 20 years, United Check Cashing served as a pillar in the community, sponsoring a softball team that won several championship and earning franchise honors including United Check Cashing’s Rookie of the Year Award and the Director’s Award.

Minnie loved people and believed that everyone is a child of God and deserving of compassion and respect, and she lived that belief through service. She volunteered at Garner Correctional Institution, ministering to people who were incarcerated, and at Dorothy Day Hospitality House, where she helped feed the hungry and shelter the homeless.

Minnie found tremendous joy in her grandchildren, often spending time developing a summer camp (Camp Mini J’s) where they could have fun, learn, and grow — creating memories that will be cherished for generations. To Minnie, the simplest moments—a conversation, a shared meal, a song—were among life’s greatest treasures.

Minnie was preceded in death by her parents, William Arthur and Natalie Brazilia Howard Loney; her grandparents, Marcus McKinley and Eva Clarkson Loney, and Seymour and Minnie Ankrum Ivory Howard; her sisters, Arthuree Brazilia Loney (Henry) Ricks and Jean Loney (Daniel) Thompson Weathers; her sisters-in-law, Gwen, Mary, and Annie Loney; and her brother-in-law Bernard Jerome Rouse. Surviving to cherish her memory are her husband, Bishop Claude Rouse, Jr.; her children, Claudia Nicole (Alvin) Atkinson, Bishop Claude, III (Lauren), Kafi Brazilia, and Adam Christopher (Halah); her beloved grandchildren, Bishop Claude, IV (mother, Ronea), Julius Arthur, Joseph Patrick, Joy Brazilia, Nilah Amal, and Yasmin Eve; her sister, Agnita (Ira) Witherspoon; her brothers, William Alfonso Loney, John Virgil (Priscilla) Loney, Howard Levoid Loney, Marion Anthony Loney, and Gregory Lynn Loney; her brother-in-law, Luonne Abram (Marie) Rouse; her sisters-in-law, Mattie Bell Loney, Lisa Loney, Linda Rouse, Connie Davis Rouse, and Ruth Rouse; her aunt-in-law, Ghussan Rouse (George) Greene, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godsons, and friends, all of whom carry forward Minnie’s legacy of love and resilience.

Though Minnie’s physical presence is no longer with us, the imprint of her life remains—in the stories shared, the lessons remembered, and the love that continues to guide those she leaves behind. In this way, she endures, not only in memory, but in the quiet, enduring ways she changed the world.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Minnie’s memory may be made via Venmo (@HonorMinnieRouse). Gifts will benefit the United Methodist Church of Danbury and Dorothy Day Hospitality House.