Gee Gee Rosell, the longtime owner of Buxton Village Books in Buxton, N.C., died January 29, "leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the walls of her historic bookstore," Island Free Press reported. "To many, she was a business owner, a cultural steward, and a fiercely independent spirit. To others, she was a friend, a confidant, a conversation partner, or simply a familiar smile that made Buxton feel like home."
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| Gee Gee Rosell | |
Rosell had owned and operated Buxton Village Books since 1984. Located in a former kitchen house that was originally built in the 1860s and moved from Hatteras village to Buxton in the 1960s, the building's history was preserved by her "through years of thoughtful remodeling and near-constant renovation," Island Free Press noted. "She approached the building the same way she approached books and community: with patience, respect, and an understanding that history is something to be lived in, not erased."
The bookstore "became a space where locals and visitors alike could linger, browse, talk, and feel welcome. Shelves lined with local history, Outer Banks lore, coastal fiction, poetry, and well-loved classics reflected Gee Gee's belief that stories matter, especially those rooted in place," Island Press wrote, adding that Rosell "was inseparable from the shop. She greeted customers with genuine enthusiasm, remembered names and conversations, and had an uncanny ability to recommend the right book at the right moment....
"Gee Gee's impact cannot be measured in sales or square footage. It lives on in the memories of children discovering books for the first time, in the connections sparked between strangers who became friends, and in the countless moments of warmth she offered without fanfare."
Books to be Red, Okracoke, N.C., posted on Facebook: "It is a terribly sad day in the bookselling world of the Outer Banks and the world of indie bookstores. We got word this afternoon that Gee Gee Rosell, owner of Buxton Village Books, had passed away. She was a friend, a helper, and a listener for me. We laughed about crazy questions, commiserated the state of Highway 12 with its trials and tribulations, and gave each other a sounding board for all things independent bookstore. She was the queen mother of our Outer Banks booksellers."
Duck's Cottage Coffee & Books, Duck, N.C., noted: "I truly cannot imagine the Outer Banks without Gee Gee Rosell... she was a mentor to me and so many other booksellers... a friend to all who knew her... a godsend to every author--and hopeful author who crossed her threshold... she was #obxbooks... our center... and oh that smile and infectious attitude... wish that I could spend another moment in her presence... you will be missed dearly... namaste."
Her family posted on the Buxton Village Books Facebook page: "She brought people together with books.... We, Gee Gee's family, are utilizing her media as best we can to let all of you--her beloved friends and customers--know how much we appreciate the wonderful notes and comments about our very special sister. Thank you all. It is comforting and uplifting to know she meant so much to so many, her Buxton Village Books family. We hope to have a memorial in the spring and will post that information here."