Rosie L. Farrar

Obituary

Rosie Lee Farrar, 95, was born on February 26,1927 in Indianola, Mississippi. Rosie Lee Farrar was one of the greatest gifts ever given to Lula Jones-Bess. It is with great sadness and sorrow that our beloved Rosie Lee Farrar earned her wings and crown of life to be with her Lord Friday, May 13,2022 in Detroit, Michigan.

Rosie Lee Farrar was better known to family and friends as Rosie, Aunt Rosie Lee, Aunt Lee. She relocated to Rockford from Sycamore, Illinois and became a faithful employee for 40-plus-years as an assembly worker for National Lock. Upon retirement, Rosie Lee Farrar was a compassionate and nurturing caregiver, faithful companion to her husband, Bobby Farrar until his death.

Rosie Lee furthered her education at Nola’s School of Beauty Culture in Rockford, Illinois where she received her Cosmetology License, through this Rosie Lee was very creative and talented with her hands. Many know her by her unique money trees that were given as special gifts to many people for birthdays and anniversaries. 

Rosie Lee was employed for 18 years at Community Care Health Services, serving as a loyal and dedicated caregiver to the late Mrs. Elizabeth Peterd- Stanfield.

Rosie Lee was strong in her faith, a fervent prayer warrior and active member of St. Paul Church of God inChrist, for over 60 years. During her tenure at St. Paul Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop F. G. Green, she was a faithful servant. Rosie Lee Farrar continued honoring leadership as she served recently under the leadership of Bishop James E.Washington. 

Rosie Lee had a gift of organization which she used to establish ministries as Hospitality, Nurses Unit, Sewing Circle and Usher Board. Further, she organized the 72-year church history. She dearly loved the ministry, operating under the mantra, whatever your hands find to do “Just Do It.” Prevailing on the basis of this mindset,she worked to purchase many kitchen appliances. Further, her fundraising ability allowed her to do many things for the ministry such as remodeling the women’s restroom and purchase of the video screens in the sanctuary. Rosie loved the ministry and appreciated leadership to the extent that she worked through city leaders to honor Bishop James Washington by having Wigton Avenue permanently designated as Bishop James Washington Avenue. Rosie’s actions are exemplary of a selfless and dedicated servant.

Rosie Lee’s favorite and sustaining scriptures, Psalms 107:1,2 and Mark 11:23 aided her as she served faithfully in the Mt. Calvary District as Assistant District Missionary for seven years and later appointed as District Missionary for forty-five years; serving as  Assistant JurisdictionalSupervisor of Fifth Illinois -West under the leadership of the late Jurisdictional Supervisor Mother Rosie Marie Smith and more recently under the leadership of Jurisdictional Supervisor Mother Cleolia Penix.

Rosie Lee loved the Lord, her family and studying her bible. One of her greatest passions was her Jail Ministry in which she taught Christian principles to women in the Winnebago County Jail. She enjoyed traveling, sewing, cooking, and baking cakes for special events and birthdays. She loved preparing care packages for seniors and those that were shut-in. She loved fishing with her husband, Bobby Farrar. She had a green thumb when it came to growing plants, and gardening. Many were blessed from her gardening skills, receiving vegetables such as peas, greens, pickles, tomatoes, green beans etc.Your meal would not be complete unless she would prepare her famous hot-watered cornbread.

Rosie Lee Farrar was a wise woman, always inspiringothers, very generous, and compassionate. She will be greatly missed for her skillful abilities which demonstrated the love of God. She lived a long, rich and fulfilling life accentuated by her deep love for family and friends. Rosie Lee was always quick with such vernacular gem favorites such as,  “time is the most valuable thing there is, because you only have so much of it.” Rosie Lee made the best use of her time and those who knew her or were blessed to spend time with her held valuable time. She had an infectious smile, a laugh with a joke or smart comment always ready for the occasion. She was a classy and elegant lady many know her by exquisite suits with matching dress hats. “Rosie Lee Farrar is one of a kind and there is no one else quite like her.”  Although Rosie is no longer of this world, her legacy and many gifts will continue to enrich the lives of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed as the matriarch of her family. She will live in our heart's forever! 

She leaves to cherish her legacy, granddaughter, Deidra Skelton; great granddaughter, DeLeia Skelton; great-greatgrandsons, Michael Lawson, Kyle Lawson and Anthony Bolden; five great-great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Additionally, she leaves to cherish her legacy, spiritual daughter Mrs. Bonita Hayes of Davenport, Iowa; Special Friends Mrs. Queen Esther Reynolds, and Mrs. Jessie Lee Johnson both of Rockford, Illinois; Bernard and Faye Johnson of Chicago Illinois; best friends Mrs. Shirley Marks and Mrs. Jo Versendahl both of Rockford; St. Paul Church of God in Christ family.

She is now united again with Bobby Farrar (husband); Sara Deloris Anderson (daughter), Annie (Eldridge, Sr.) Gilbert (sister), Odessa Wilson (sister); Hallie (Haughty) Williams (sister/cousin) and Alberta (Joe) Weatherall (sister/cousin); Lula Jones-Bess (mother) George and Ella Jones (maternal grandparents); Isaiah and Mrs. Matthews (paternal grandparents) and Eunice Beeks-Green (spiritual daughter).

Services will be held 12 noon Thursday, May 26, 2002 at St Paul Church of God In Christ 1001 Bishop Washington Ave.  Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens.  Visitation 10am until the time of service.  Arrangements completed by Collin & Stone Funeral Home 128 S 5th St

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