The Celebration of Life for Mrs. Rosa Lee Wilson, 83, of Orange will be Saturday, September 19, 2020 at the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
Rites of Christian Entombment will followed at Magnolia Memorial Gardens Mausoleums under the direction of Sparrow Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 10 until 11 am.
Government Guidelines regarding Social Distancing and the wearing of mask will be observed at all services.
Rosa Lee Savoy Wilson was called home to be with the Lord on September 11, 2020. Affectionately known as “Sister”, “Baby Sister” and her most honored name “Maw Maw”, she was born on July 20, 1937 to Helen Warnell in Orange, Texas. Rosa was preceded in death by her mother and three brothers: Vernon Taylor, David Stewart, and Clint Williams.
Rosa leaves to cherish her memories, her husband of 55 years, Olan Wilson; her son; Mathellis B. Wilson, her grandchildren; Bryson Wilson, Cameron Wilson, and Kennedy Wilson and their mother, Alysa Elliott-Wilson. She also leaves her uncle; Ernest Warnell (Delores Warnell), cousin, Ronald “Shaft” Warnell who went out of his way, whenever necessary to do whatever need be done to take care of her and her family, her God Children; Don Franks, Karen Wesley (Keith) and Destiny Drew. She also had a special relationship with Willie Drew and Willie Ann Taylor whom she lovingly considered her children that she did not birth.
Rosa was a 1955 graduate of Emma H. Wallace High School and later received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Jarvis Christian College. She received a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Plus 30 hours in Administration from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA. Rosa was first employed at her high school alma mater, Emma H. Wallace. She later taught at Lake Charles Boston High School in Lake Charles, LA; Iowa Elementary in Iowa, LA and ended her 33-year teaching career at Vinton Northside Middle School in Vinton, LA.
Rosa was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to many. As the matriarch of the Warnell family, she was a mentor that was firm but fair and provided guidance, counsel, and wisdom to countless people.
At an early age, Rosa accepted Christ and was a lifelong member of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She was dedicated to her work in the Lord and served relentlessly. Upon graduation from High School, she was the only recipient of a scholarship provided by Mount Zion to go College. Rosa was the President of the Mary Magdalene Circle where she also taught weekly Women’s studies. She was appointed to the Trustee Board and served as President. Additionally, was a member of the Choir, a Communion Steward, Deaconess, and Announcing Clerk.
Rosa was active in social organizations as well as her community. She was a member of the Orange Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was also a Grey Lady Volunteer at Orange Memorial Hospital.
Rosa’s life was STRONGLY impacted by her grandfather, Mr. Wesley Warnell Sr. who modeled community involvement and encouraged her to further her education. Rosa shared his interest. She highly encouraged and had a great passion for helping others to pursuit their higher education. Rosa and her husband Olan personally sponsored college scholarships in her grandfather’s name to help students in their educational endeavors.
Rosa leaves a strong legacy of pride in family, commitment towards others and love of God. In all things she believed in decency, honor and structure. One of her personal motto’s was “May the Works I have done… speak for me”. Rosa L. Savoy Wilson’s life SPEAKS VOLUMES.
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