Lets go back in time. The place is Dadeville Alabama.  The year is 1926, the 8th day of June.  Mr. Lonnie Gray is pacing and pacing, he is about to be a proud papa. Mrs. Missie Gray, with the assistance of a mid-wife is in labor in the other room.

The time has. come, IT'S A GIRL!! IT'S A GIRL!! What will we name her? Do you see that beauty mark under her nose? It's just like the one under her mother's bottom lip. She is beautiful like a delicate rose.   We will name her Rosie, Rosie Lee.

After being the only child for so long, she was glad when her brother, David, came along. They played together, worked together, walked to school together, and tattled on each other.  Her little brother preceded her in death, but blessed her with a Sister -in-law, Gertrude along with 2 nephews (Dwight Whetstone and Jonathan Gray) and 2 nieces (Brenda and Anissa Gray).

She married. Mr. Howard Thomas and from this union, they gave birth to a precious daughter that they would name Geraldine.  In this union, she was also blessed to help raise 3 nephews (2 deceased) Greg Goodman, and 2 nieces:  Olivia Shealey and Erica Goodman.                                                                       

Rosie Lee was such an extraordinary lady; the Lord saw fit to bless her with a God Daughter, Linda Sue Harrell (Rev. Eddie) Hunter.

Geraldine bestowed upon Rosie many, many,many,many,many,many blessings in the forms of Regina, Shelia (Rev. Gary Varner), Jennifer (Charlie Morris, Jr.), Willissa, LaTonya, and Deshunda.                                 '

She  had a love and desire to serve the Lord. She found great joy in being an usher for many years, making sure the services at Mt. Calvary, Seleeta, Early Rose and Miracle Missionary Baptist Church were carried out decently and orderly.

Combining her passion for singing and the responsibility to instill Christ in her children's lives, she formed a gospel singing group, The Spiritual Traveletts.  The group traveled many years near and far singing about the goodness of Jesus.

On October 16, 1975 the Lord blessed Rosie with another gift for all of her faithfulness and steadfast service.  This gift was Mr. Jake Young, Jr.; 6 step daughters, a special step-daughter, Mrs. Jackie (Larry) Withers; 5 brother-in-laws and their wives.

He stepped right in to all of our lives and loved, cherished, and supported us all, giving us a real-life example of what a true, strong black man was supposed to be. God called Jake to glory on April4, 2004.

Big Mama was blessed to witness baptisms, high school graduations, weddings, college graduations, first homes, new jobs, and for  the births of  11 Great- grandchildren: LaKida, Roderick, Rosheena, Neisha, Denavia, Trey, Krishundria, Gary II, DJ, Eric and Cam and the births of 3 Great- great -grandchildren: ReAsia,  Xorian and let us not forget Kaidyn.

We've had many dinners, Sunday breakfasts, fish fries, and barbeques, and we have all privately smiled and said an extra THANK YOU just for having YOU there one more time. You prayed for us all even when we didn't have sense enough to pray for ourselves. From the oldest to the youngest, you have been on your knees and standing at the altar, There is nothing better than a PRAYING MOTHER!!!

On December 30,2012, the Lord called our most PRECIOUS LOVED ONE home. The world was blessed to have had her for 86 wonderful years. She had a host of other special relatives and close friends, however we would never be able to name all of the souls she touched along the way.  But each day, we will CELEBRATE having you in our lives.

WE LOVE YOU!!! WE CHERISH YOU!!! WE ADORE YOU!!! And mostly, WE HONOR YOU!!!