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On August 11, 1921, Rose Mary Williams was the fifth child of ten siblings born to the union of Gus Williams, Sr. (“Pappa Gus”) and Rosa Anderson-Williams (“Momma Rosie”) in Belle Rose, Louisiana. There were seven girls straight followed by three boys. Rose accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized by Rev. Reed at First Israel Baptist Church.
On February 9, 1940 she married her childhood sweetheart, the late Rev. Harry Willard Williams, Sr. of Belle Rose, Louisiana. She was fondly called “Rosa Mae” by her husband. Their first child “Baby” Williams was unfortunately still born. In 1942, after the birth of their son, the late Harry Williams, Jr., they relocated to San Francisco, California. Rose early years were devoted to nurturing her children and maintaining a spiritually filled home. During this time frame two additional children were born, Ronald and the late Unjolla.
In the early 50s, they joined Providence Baptist Church. Rose’s love for Christ inspired her husband to accept his calling in the ministry. To this marriage they were once again blessed 10 years later with another daughter, Yulanda. After her youngest child entered middle school, Rose accepted a position for over 15 years in the banking institution, Lloyd’s Bank of London.
In 1954, the Williams’ family left Providence Baptist Church and continued their Christian journey with St. Mark’s Institutional Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Roley J. Foreman. After years of service she became one of the mothers of the church as well as the Chairperson of Minister’s Wives Association. Mother Williams was honored twice as Christian Women of Year. She’s also was honored and recognized on multiple occasions by Pastors of St. Mark Church for her humanitarian service and duty as a Christian. On February 3, 2006, Mother Williams was honored, and her name placed on the Wall of Tolerance for taking a personal and public stance against hated, injustice, and intolerance.
The Williams’ home became the transitioning home for many family members and friends who were seeking a better way of life in California. The Louisiana cuisine, genuine love, and spiritual guidance, for everyone, drew people from all over the city to her home for breakfast, lunch and dinner. She was a woman full of grace with the strength of a Lioness. In time, Rev. & Sis. Williams became the surrogate parents to their grandchildren. As life would unfold Reginald, Nyoki, Najuawanda, and Jimmika became their children. Their household rooms were filled with support, commitment, expectations and, of course, God’s words. The three granddaughters were referred to as, “The Three Little Women”. All three loving, playfully, and mischievous girls were Rose’s heart and focus just as her biological children. Her love was infinitely shared with her family, her husband, and her husband’s family members. Rev. Williams referred to his wife as the “Frontier Psychologist.” There was little time for him to engage in small talk with her, for her mission was to provide wisdom and Godly advice to others. Mother Williams constantly checked in with others on a daily basis, and visited those who were sick and shut in. She loved each one she encountered in her own special way. Rose was a beautiful flower in the garden of life, blooming in action whenever she saw someone in need. In addition to raising their daughter’s children, years later, Rose opened her home to assist raising, providing that motherly love, and biblical readings to her great grandchildren: Mikio, Nikko, Kiali, and Ceferino Sacramento. Their dad, Ronald Sacramento, became like another son to Rose. When Jimmika had her daughter, fondly called as “Ms. Kennedy’’ she, too, was received with the infinite love of her great grandmother. Rose Mary Williams’ love blossomed throughout the United States. It took over two days for her family to contact those who were the recipients of Rose’s nourishing love. What an exquisite menagerie of diverse people.
Rose Mary Williams was proceeded in death by her parents, Gus, Sr. and Rosa Williams, spouse Rev. Harry Williams, Sr.; son: Harry Williams, Jr.; 2 daughters: “Baby” Williams and Unjolla Williams-Daniels; 6 sisters: Elizabeth Batiste, Roena King, Bernice Lewis, Denise Southall, Albertha Taylor, Williana LeBlanc; 3 brothers: Gus, Murray and James. Rose Mary was the last surviving sibling of all ten children.
Rose Mary leaves to cherish her memories her loving son, Ronald of San Francisco, California; and her baby daughter, Yulanda (Anthony Crosley) of El Sobrante, California; 11 grandchildren: Anthony, Harry III, Janelle, Jemal, Omari, Ronald Jr., Rodney, Reginald, Najuawanda, Nyoki and Jimmika); 31 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; 1 sister-in-law Alberta Williams of Richmond, California; “brother” Robert Williams and his wife Clementine of Hayward, California; “sister” Edwina James of San Francisco, California, and host of relatives, church family members, and friends.
Her love for her church, Christian music and people in general was the joy of life. On July 29, 2020, the Master Gardener from Heaven, in His perfect and all-wise journey that day, chose the most beautiful, full red rose for his heavenly bouquet. That “Rose” was indeed a special one, bearing a label on its stem (Rose Mary Williams). Great was His joy to be the One at 2041 hours when he reached Room 9168 at CPMC Van Ness Hospital. He selected Rose to transcend from earth’s garden. So, while you can no longer see precious Rose in bloom, know the Great Gardener from the upper room is watching and tending to Rose with his exquisite care. Think of our darling Rose in the heavenly garden with the angels above. She is absolutely secure and content now, surrounded by God’s unconditional love. Remember, God blessed and enriched each of our lives. For in her transition, darling Rose brought Heaven and the upper room even closer to each of us.
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