Rosa Lee Smith

Yea though I walk through the valley and shadow of death I will fear no evil ...Psalm 23:1

Rosa L. Smith, lovingly and respectfully referred to as Mother, Mom and Momma, was the 10th child born to Rev. Horace Greeley McMillon and Addie Lee (Stewart) McMillon in Pine Park, Florida (Brevard County).

In 1946, Rosa accepted Christ and was baptized, joining the fellowship of Mount Moriah Church, Melbourne, Florida. Mother graduated from Melbourne Vocational High School, Salutatorian Class of 1953. Following graduation, this strong woman of God migrated to Detroit, Michigan.

While residing in Detroit, Rosa served at several churches until she chose New Harmony as her Church home. Her Christian ministry involved working as an officer for the Metropolitan District, leader of local and metropolitan Youth Organizations, President of the Missionary Society, Choir member and Soloist.

Godpa Willie Fleming and Godma Magnolia Fleming along with Mr. David Foster and Mrs. Ethel Foster were instrumental in Rosa’s spiritual growth when she came to Detroit.

Rosa married James Arthur Smith Sr. (d) and together raised nine children; Linda Gail (d), Janett Myrth, twins Arthur James, James Arthur Jr., Addie Lee, Myrna Irene (d), LaWanda Rose, Horace Greeley, and Richard McCrane.

Rosa was an employee of the Chrysler Corporation for 21 years; she also provided domestic and home care. Among her many talents, Rosa devoted time to seniors as care giver and seamstress. Always working, never idle, a virtuous woman willing to help everyone she could.

The year following the passing of her husband, Rosa relocated to Ruffin, South Carolina. Mother united with Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Walterboro, South Carolina; she was also an honorary member of Red Root United Methodist Church of Ruffin.

Rosa leaves to cherish her life: her dear brother known as “Uncle John” Rev. John Henry McMillon (Barbara), sister- in- laws Sarah, Lena, Lillie, Joanne; and Cousin Barbara Vickers. Rosa’s children Janett Clark, James Smith Jr. (Tracy), Addie DeLaHoussaye (Steve), LaWanda Smith, Horace G. Smith (Karen), Richard Smith (Janiene), son-in-law Duane Johnson (Janet); Grandchildren Carlos, Larry, Turhan, Perry, Arnetta, Anita, Vantasia, Jayne, Laura, Quentin, Garrett, Duane Jr., Jason, Lynnetta, Lauren, Sean, Horace J., Richard II, and Rosa; Great- grands Diamond, Demetrius, Michael, KJ, Ella, Jade, Quentin A, Gianna, Marisa, Duane III, Taevon, Taylor, Brookly and, Londyn. Rosa was also blessed with bonus grandchildren, Tiffany, Bridgett (Dwight), Tiera (Will), Jasmine, Jamel, Allen, Aaron and Billie.

Special love to family; niece Joan Gibson, Thomas Yates (Lurane), Kenny Thomas (Donna), Ophelia Myers-McBride, Phyllis and Audrey Mathis, Delphenia Wilson, Amie Green. Will Lightner, Maeliza Grant as well as nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. 

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