Rosa Lee Williams

Rosa Lee Kent Williams was born to Tom and Mary Harris Kent in Omar, West Virginia on December 22, 1927. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Barney James Warren, Ross McNary, and John M. Williams. Rosa was born the 4th child in a family of 2 daughters and 4 sons. She was preceded in death by her 5 siblings: Carlie D. Kent (Eva), Thomas (M.C.) Kent (Mary), Juanita Powell (Bill), Tom Kent, Jr. (Hazel), and Ernest Kent (Jean).

Rosa was the blessed mother of 11 children: Brenda Joyce Johnson (Lonnell), Eric Lee Warren (Carolyn), Phyllis Murdock (Dwayne), Ross McNary, Jr., Juanita Walter (Ralf), Shirley Ann McNary, Ruebin Lynn McNary, Mary Jefferson (Jerome), Sylvester McNary, Glynn McNary, and Cynthia McNary. Rosa suffered the loss of four children: Phyllis, Shirley, Ruebin, and Sylvester.

She leaves to cherish her memory 14 loving grandchildren, Melissa Dawn Simkins (William III), Angela Joyner (Shajuan), Ebony Tye (David), Charisse Austin (Brett), Monica Warren, Sara Scholz (Justin), Ralf Walter, Jr, Veronica Walter, Christopher Walter (Jeni), Chad Walter (Grace), Jalon Jefferson (Candis), Julius Jefferson, Teiyana Jefferson, Toddreik Jefferson and a host of great grandchildren, great great grands, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rosa had a lifelong love of writing and was named “Class Poet” at Buffalo High, her Alma mater, where she was also honored as 1st Attendant to Miss Buffalo on the queen’s court. She was a faithful member of Poetry & Praise, founded by Linda Hancock in Columbus, Ohio. In 2001, Rosa proudly published a book of poetry, God Is, sponsored by her dear friend, Dr. Alice Elder.

Known as “Boots” by her classmates, Rosa Lee’s greatest lifetime achievement was falling in love with Jesus. She loved her family deeply. She often spoke of her dad, Tom Kent, who, on his deathbed at age 34, taught her the importance of giving--placing a dime in her hand and sending her to church. Raising a family who would love and honor God was her life’s focus. “Mother Rosa” and her children were like permanent fixtures wherever she established church membership. Without question, her devotion to Ambassadors for Christ and Equip U Ministries, established by her son, Apostle Eric L. Warren, was where you would most often find her. She was known as a prayer warrior, a soloist, and loved growing plants and writing poetry to make distribution to the saints in recognition of birthdays and special occasions.

The confidence with which she walked and spoke left no doubt that she was not ashamed of the gospel. Her lifelong testimony and bold conviction that “God is…” was a reminder to us all of the sovereignty of almighty God. When one would approach her with questions during times of uncertainty, with a loving grip of her hand—as if to never let go—she would often offer another word of wisdom and encouragement. With a reassuring smile and that glimmer in her eye--as if she had a secret no one knew— she would say, “In God’s timing...”

Mommy Rosa’s greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and family. Queen of our hearts, having known you helps us understand that we’ve been touched by an angel.