Rosa Lee Lawson, 91, departed this earthly life on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, after a long illness. She was born September 25, 1925, in Emmett, Arkansas, the daughter of Dave Sr., and Lurenda Evans. After graduation from Yeager High School in Hope, Arkansas, she married Deary A. Lawson on April 1, 1947. They relocated to Rockford the following year.
Rosa Lee's employment included domestic work for a number of years prior to Atwood Industries where she worked for 23 years, retiring in 1988. As a reliable and responsible employee, she also served as a union steward. After retirement, she worked as an Election Judge for the City of Rockford and also as a part-time Sales Clerk for Bergner's. She also attended Rock Valley College.
Rosa was a devoted member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church for 69 years where she served as Youth Director, Coordinator of Youth Ushers, Director of Outreach Ministries, Church Clerk, Senior Usher Board, Willing Workers, Mother's Board, and participated in the Rockford and Vicinity Baptist District Association and attended serveral State and National Congress Conventions.
Rosa leaves to cherish many precious and loving memories, four daughters, Gloria Lawson Sylvester, Atlanta, GA, Ingrid Hargrove, Damita Collier, Rockford, IL, and Kathy Brownridge, Aurora, IL; three sons, Thomas Eugene (Arline), Deary L. (Kimberly), and Mark, Rockford, IL; 23 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, sister, Florine Burnell; sister-in-law, Gertrude Evans, brother-in-law, Dan Block; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She is predeceased by her husband, parents, six brothers, two sisters and two great grandsons.

Cemetery Details