How can I describe Rosa Lee? She was a sister, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a great-great-grandmother and a friend. Rosa Lee was my cousin, but she was raised as my sister. She was the big sister that helped to keep us out of trouble. Rosa was full of laughter and fun.

Growing up Rosa was like a fairy godmother who loved to tell stories, some of them were funny and some were scary, but all were great. My sisters and I could not wait to hear her stories because she had such a hearty laugh that was infectious. She could laugh louder and harder than anyone. Rosa used to love to dance and on weekends she would go to the Brown Derby and cut a rug. She was very popular and had many friends.

Rosa lived the majority of her life in Baltimore, as did her immediate family. She had a big family and they truly loved their mother/grandmother. Whenever Rosa traveled back to Virginia to visit the family, she came with at least two carloads of her kids and grandkids. They are an extremely close family and where one goes, they all go. I used to love to see them coming because her children and grandchildren are pure joy.

On May 5, Rosa bid her family goodbye. The family was standing near when she remarked she wanted to go home. Rosa told them that she was tired and ready to go home so she could rest. She then closed her eyes and went home to Jesus. Rosa was such a wonderful person that I know Jesus and His angels were standing there with arms outstretched to welcome her home.

To say I was surprised when her kids called and said Rosa went home was an understatement, but I was also at peace because I knew her suffering was over and she was now with the King. We often spoke about the Lord and she often talked about going to that beautiful city in Heaven where every day is Sunday. There will be no more sickness, no more pain and no more sorrow, only happiness there.

Psalm 23: 1 – 6 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Be blessed in Jesus’ name.

Mary Simmons can be reached at Marysimmons6@hotmail.com.