Pastor Rosetta Pearson-Lee

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.” - 2 Timothy 4:7-8a On Wednesday, October 19, 2022, the earth loss a virtuous woman with an effervescent personality and anointing, PASTOR ROSETTA PEARSON-LEE, and heaven gained an angel. Pastor Rosetta was born to the late Anna Bell Taylor on September 10, 1937, in Charleston, South Carolina. She was affectionately known as “Bishop, Teddy, Granny and Rosie”. Pastor Rosetta was educated in the public schools of Charleston, SC. At the age of 14 she accepted Christ and at a later age received the gift of the Holy Ghost, at Fire Baptized Holiness Church of Charleston, SC. She later changed her membership to Deliverance Tabernacle, under the leadership of Bishop George Baxter. In 1967, God gave Pastor Rosetta the vision to relocate her family. She and her young son, Ernest Smalls, traveled to Baltimore, Maryland to start their new life. Upon arrival, she was employed at Howard Johnson’s Restaurant as a Head Cook. She was also employed at the Lord Baltimore Laundry and Dry Cleaners for over 20 years. Pastor Rosetta was known as the best presser at the laundry. Her co-worker recalls she was always singing a song and served as a source of encouragement to the other employees. In 1968, Pastor Rosetta attended Bible College, growing in wisdom, knowledge and in the anointing. With 20 of her own members, she aligned with Bishop Baxter to start a branch of Deliverance Tabernacle in Baltimore, MD, pastoring her first church. In 1975, she launched out as a separate entity, governing and pastoring her own church, assigning it the name God had given her, “Pentecostal Tabernacle Church Incorporated”. Her guiding scripture, lived out in her actions: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, To preach deliverance to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised.” - Luke 4:18 The ministry grew, arriving at approximately 200 members, with a choir of 50 voices. This phenomenal choir was known around the city of Baltimore and in other States for their singing, fancy attire, instrumentals, and the way they praised God, under the anointing. Pastor Rosetta was known for her style of preaching, providing spiritual leadership for many who would start their own ministries. She intentionally opened doors for women in ministry; assuring they had an opportunity to bring forth the Word in her church. Later in her ministry, she received a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Global Bible University and became the State Supervisor of the Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Dr. A.M. Keels. Following Dr. Keels, Bishop Vernon Thomas became Pastor Rosetta’s presiding Bishop and held the assignment until her earthly departure. Pastor Rosetta had a kind heart and a giving spirit. She started Christmas shopping one year in advance, so she could have a gift for everyone in the church. She was a seamstress and a hatmaker, using her skills to make others look good too. She was always “dressed to the nines”, matching from head to toe. Singing was her thing - when she sang it was like the voice of thunder penetrating your soul. Services at her church were always filled with Holy Ghost fire and they rightfully earned the name, “Deliverance Services”, as many were set free. Hers was the church that rocked, hearing the music from way down the street before getting to the door. One of her favorite songs was, “It’s in My Heart”. Being a lover of all gospel Her Story… music and using any instrument to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, she played washboards, tambourines and she even tackled playing the drums – and yes, she could play. In fact, she would become easily annoyed if you couldn’t keep up with her beat. This woman of God loved to praise the Lord and she had a unique dance as she worshipped Him. Not only did she dance, but everyone in her church had a dance. Having a love for cooking and fellowship, she planned an annual Banquet where she did all the cooking and organizing, because she loved spending time with the people of God. Our beloved Rosetta was passionate about spending time with her grandchildren. She had a deep love for the children of her only son, Ernest Sr., who preceded her in death, and they had a special love for her: granddaughter, Conswello, and grandsons, Ernest Jr and Jonathan. Other children that were dear to her and held a special place in her heart were the Pearsons: Cornell, Lee, Michael, Ronnie, Bobbie, and Scottie. The latter of which preceded her in death. Pastor Rosetta met and married Deacon Charles Lee Jr. in 2005. His special name for her was “Sugar Lump”. She loved him dearly and embraced his four children. Some of the couple’s favorite outings included trips to Washington, DC, Alabama and back home to Charleston, South Carolina. Eating out was enjoyable, but a visit to Double T Diner would top off any of their afternoons making it, just what the doctor ordered. Deacon Charles was a faithful husband. In sickness and in health he could be found at her side. As her health became a challenge and she entered Future Care – Courtland, he was with her every day from sunup until sundown, showering her with love and attention - until the end. Preceding her in death: her mother Anna Bell Taylor, son Ernest Smalls Sr., brothers Herbert Smalls and Samuel Smalls, and sister Anna Jasper. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, Charles Lee Jr.; mother-in-law, Mother Sadie Lee; four children, Derrick Lee, Marcus Lee (Nema), Lynette Lee, and Charles Lee; five brothers, John Henry Smalls, Willie Smalls, Edward Smalls, Sam Taylor and Kevin Joseph Taylor; two sisters, Shirley Jones and Lillian Sweet; two brothers-in-law, Bennie Jasper and John Lee; two sisters-in-law, Michelle Smalls and Diane Lee; three grandchildren, Conswello Rosetta Randall (Marvin), Ernest Smalls Jr. (Latoria) and Jonathan Smalls; nineteen additional grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, Marquel Smalls, Jasmine Smalls, Jalen Smalls, Jordyn Smalls, Josiah Smalls, Kalei Randall and five additional greatgrandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren, Naomi Harris, Michael Harris, Gabriella Smalls and Nathaniel Smalls; three god-daughters, Georgia Simmons, Winda Mack and Tonya Holmes; two god-sons, Derald Baxter and Joshua Thomas; two special nieces, Cassandra Sweet and Danielle Sweet; a special friend, Mother Sterling; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Pastor Rosetta Pearson-Lee

September 10, 1937 - October 19, 2022