Enloe Mortuary | Shelby, NC

Obituary For Rosa Williams

Dr. Rosa Lee Williams, 79, was born on September 20, 1943 in Lincolnton, NC to the late Jack and Alice Clay Williams. She departed this life on Wednesday, January 26, 2023 at White Oak Manor, Shelby.

Rose, as she was affectionately known, had a welcoming personality, loved to dance, and always wore a smile. She joined First Baptist Lawndale at an early age. After moving to Detroit in the late 1960’s, she joined Hartford Memorial Baptist Church. She graduated from Douglas High School in Lawndale, NC in 1961 and Winston-Salem State University in 1965, earning a degree in Elementary Education. She honored her commitment to WSSU by becoming a lifetime member of the National Alumnae Club and the RAMS Club. Rosa also graduated from Wayne State University where she earned her Doctorate of Education. She retired from the Detroit Public School System where she served as a principal at Earhart Middle School. While working in the school system, she was named the 1994 Michigan Secondary Principal of the Year and also one of the four finalist for the National Principal of the Year. Rosa received the 1995 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award, which recognized excellence in the teaching profession. She was among the educators from around the United States who helped formulate the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards in 1987.

Retirement lured her back to the Carolinas and she landed in Sun City Retirement Community, Indian Land, South Carolina. With her passion to be of service and contribute to the community, she founded the Renaissance Club. An avid reader, she also joined the Sun City Book Club; attended Steele Hill AME Zion Church. Rosa was a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and current member of the Shelby Alumnae Chapter; and a NAACP lifetime member.

She was preceded in death by three sisters—Paula Vinson, Juanita Williams, and Mae Love Williams. She leaves loving memories to three sisters, Jacqueline Peeler, Lawndale, NC; Joan Jamison, Kings Mountain, NC; and Susie Young, Shelby, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Entombment will take place at Sunset Cemetery. The service will be live-streamed starting at 10:15 AM from Enloe Mortuary’s Facebook page. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 10:30 AM and at other times at 1415 Lenoir Drive Shelby.

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Guest Book

Dr. Rose as I fondly called her was a beautiful woman that I admired as a DPS Prinicipal Administrator and friend. I loved the way she carried herself and enjoyed life! Dr. Rose's memory will live forever with me.

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I knew Dr Williams as the assistant principal of Earhart Middle School. She carried herself as a Queen, she instill confidence in her staff and the students. She was fair, an excellent listener and gave sound advice. Rest Well , Queen ❣️🙏🏽

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I met Rose over 50 years ago working in the Detroit Public Schools System. We shared many friends and would look forward to our annual sorority Christmas Galas. She was a beautiful soul in and out. Always smiling and sharing. We loved her, and she truly will be missed. She did so much for the students in Detroit and has left a beautiful legacy.

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Rose Williams, was the best of the best! She was not only my Assistant Principal at Earhart Middle School, but she was the best I'd ever had. She was a true professional, who made my job much easier. After my retirement, I highly recommended her for the job of Principal. She later became a lifelong friend. I will miss talking with her. I'd like to send my sincere condolences to her family. Sincerely, Theodore K. Sims

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May God bless Jackie, Susie and Joan, the family of my dear friend Rose. I met Rose approximately 50 years ago. We are both Christian's and educators. What made us friends in the long ago, when we first met? Well, I think I know. The best in me and the best in you, hailed each other because they knew that always and always since life began our being friend was part of God's plan. Rose was a good and blessed friend to me, always had my back. I love Rose my dearest friend always. and I will continue to pray that God comforts the family in the days to come, Rev. Dr. Mary H. Pettaway, Detroit MI

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Rosa Williams, my friend and classmate at WSSU. Loved and cherished by all who knew her. Her smile and laughter brightened many days. Rest In Peace my friend.. She is not lost our special friend, nor is she far away, She simply stepped inside of one of life's most beautiful rooms and left the door ajar..... Marye Wells Harley Class of 1965

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We met Rosa 8 years ago when we moved to Sun City. She was a good friend, always smiling and kind. Our deepest sympathy to her family. Artie and Lucille McLaughlin

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Rosa was a beautiful loving soul....always smiling.....great principal and a wonderful friend....she will be missed Love , Audrey La Salle Brown

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" This is a time for gathering all the best of a good life and holding it in the the heart forever! With deepest sympathy to the family in this time of sorrow." Winslow Lowery, Class of 1965

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" This is the time for gathering all the best of a good life and holding it in the heart forever! With deepest sympathy to the family in this time of sorrow. Winslow Lowery Class of 1965

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Doc was one in a million. She was generous and caring. She was a leader among leaders. She was a mentor and friend who was a blessing to my family and me. She taught me so much as my mentor, about leadership and how to create a positive school community. I was fortunate to follow in her footsteps as principal of Earhart Middle School. I know she is dancing in heaven with the Lord! My condolences to the family. Gerald Vazquez

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I have known Rosa since 1961 when we entered Winston-Salem Teacher's College. She was a good friend and later boss in the Detroit Public Schools system. I found her to be a very kind and considerate friend. I wondered why she had not called in a while. My condolences to the family. May GOD continue to bless her in her travel home. Sylvia Richardson

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My prayers and thoughts with this family.I met ms Williams years ago when I pastored the STEELE HILL AMEZION CHURCH IN LANCASTER SC. I found her to be a very nice person .Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes with the morning. May God shorten the night and usher in the morning. Rest in peace bishop Marion Ronald Wilson

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Knowing Rosa always brought joy, encouragement, and a warm smile. We attended the same church and shared community advocacy. May God's peace be with all of us. My deepest sympathy is extended to the family. Verta W.Looper Erk

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To the Family of Rosa Lee Williams: Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathy are with you on this sad occasion. Rosa was a vibrant, enthusiastic woman with a friendly word for everyone. In other words, she was remarkable! She will always remain that way in our memories. The family joins me in sending you abundant love ❤️ and warm regards, during your time of bereavement. Love to all! God's continual blessings, your cousins, Ponetta "Jumpie" Hull, Mrs. Coleen Lawrence Derr, Tabith, Inga, Sage & Family

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To the family of Dr. Rosa Williams, I met Rosa about 4 decades ago. I think she is the most loving and caring person I ever met. I know she is now flying around heaven with angels touching other souls. May god bless. - Elvin Amaker

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Dr. Williams was a wonderful principal, in Detroit Public Schools. Her leadership and mentoring was admirable! She encouraged her staff and students to be the best that could be. Thanks Dr. Williams for all that you did for all of us! I will bake a pound cake in your honor! Love you eternally! Cenietta Murrell

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Forever Loving You - Elvin Amaker

- Elvin Amaker

Doc was a wonderful principal, mentor, and friend. She hired me as an administrator at Earhart Middle School in Detroit. I learned a great deal from her and will always hold her in high esteem. As I often heard her say of others I will say of her: she was good people. She will be missed. My condolences to the family. From Linda Tucker

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To the famiy of Rosa she was a very dear sweet lady the last time we sit down and talk was at the Douglas Reunion and I will never forget some good points she shared with me on education and those points stuck with me and helped me alot. RIP Rosa go and take your rest for the golden gates are welcoming you in. MARY DORSEY SIMS

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Dr. Rosa Williams and I met in 2008 and because the best of friend. We talked each day , went out to lunch at time, in the same book club and rode too church together . We were like dear sisters. She's going but never forgotten!!!! Love, Carrie Saunders

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To the family (our family)we share with you in the crossing over of our dear Rosa.May the peace of God sustain you ,as you travel this road with the prayers and love that is shared by all of us. God is a keeper,he meets you at your point of need. Peace and Blessings.Be ye lifted up,and the king of glory shall come in. Roger/Suzette Ross,and family 🙏🏽❤️

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Enloe Mortuary | Shelby, NC