Rosa Lee Williams

Celebrating the Life of Rosa Lee Williams 

August 12, 1946 – July 17, 2025

A beautiful soul was called home to be with the Lord. With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Rosa Lee Williams- a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and cherished friend—who transitioned peacefully into eternal rest on July 17, 2025. She was born on August 12, 1946. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, she grew up with ten of fifteen children to the late Elder Robert Lee Neal and Willa Mae Colvard.

Rosa was a proud graduate of Hughes High School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University. For over 35 years, she served as a compassionate and skilled nurse, touching countless lives with her healing hands and generous heart. Her dedication to healthcare extended beyond the bedside, as she mentored young professionals and championed access to quality care for all.

Rosa’s life was a beautiful reflection of her deep faith. A lifelong member of Hosack Street Baptist Church, her faith was the foundation of her life and her service to others. She lived life fully and joyfully, finding beauty in simple pleasures—attending church, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and serving in the Health Ministry.

She was passionate about her family and friends. Rosa carried herself with quiet strength, joy, and grace. She was resilient, intelligent, protective, and deeply loving. Her fierce devotion to her family was evident in every word, action, and sacrifice. She had a gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved. Her generous heart and compassionate spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her wisdom was profound, and her love unconditional.

Rosa’s legacy lives on in her sons, Donald Durr and Jason (Ladorian) Williams; her beloved grandchildren, Deshon and Desja Durr; her sisters, Virginia McMillan (Charles), Marietta Williams, Christine Neal- all of Cincinnati, OH, and Sarah Doggett (Thomas) of Chandler, AZ; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her loving parents and cherished siblings: William Neal, Betty Lou McGuire, Robert Jr, Mattie Ann Anderson, Sylvia Ruth Byrd, Charles Neal, James Archie Neal, Esther Faye Phillips, Janet Louise Gamble, and Phoebe Hunter, who now welcome her home.

As we celebrate her life, we are comforted by her favorite scripture of Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Rosa Lee Williams’s life was a gift to all who knew her. Her legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire future generations. She will be missed more than words can say, yet remembered with so much love.