Rosemary J. Williams

Rosemary Jarvis Williams, the 2nd child of William and Sara (Jones) Jarvis, was born in Gloucester (Matthews), Virginia. She peacefully departed this life in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 27, 2013 at the Gilchrist center in Towson, Maryland. Rosemary was surrounded by her attentive, loving, and devoted son, daughters, son-in –laws, and grandchildren. Her last days were spent in the quiet presence of family members and friends from and near. Even in those final days and darkest hours, Rosemary remained encouraged; she was truly a blessing to everyone who entered her room. Rosemary grew up, along with her sibling, in a happy, loving, and nurturing home. Her parents instilled Christian’s morals and values at an early age and she was instructed in the importance and practice of daily prayer and reading the word of God. The Christian Education that Rosemary received during her early years served her well, for rosemary was a young was a praying women and she quoted scripture without hesitation. At a young age, Rosemary confessed her faith, was baptized and became a member of the Gleaning Baptist Church in Gloucester. Rose, as she was affectionately called by many, attended the public schools of Gloucester County. In pursuit of gainful employment, she moved to Philadelphia in the early 1950’s. Rose lived with her dear cousin, the late Bernice Gray. Three years later, Rosemary relocated to Baltimore, Maryland under the tutelage of her Aunt Lucille Jarvis. In 1957, Rose met and married the love of her life, Willie Lee Williams. Their union was blessed with the birth of three children: Larry, Natalie, and Sharon. Being a wife and mother suited Rose just fine; she was exceptional in both roles. After Willie’s death in May, 1965, Rose dated Christopher Columbus Jones, the father of her forth child, Crystal. She was an excellent homemaker and cook and she loved to decorate and entertain. Her home was the family gathering place on holidays and other festive occasions. She raised her children with a loving yet firm hand and on occasion she used the traditional method of African-American discipline. As a nature lover, Rose and the children enjoyed long, leisurely walks in the various city parks, watching sun sets, the full foliage and the birth of new life in the Spring. Rosemary was employed at Misty Harbor as a seamstress. She also worked as a substitute teacher at the Stuart Hill Elementary School. Rosemary continues her education at the Sojourner Douglas Junior College majoring in Business Education. After her retirement, she served as a Ombudsman at the Waxter Senior Center. Rosemary worshipped at several churches in Philadelphia and Baltimore area. On October 24, 1976, Rosemary united with the Saint Paul Baptist Church under the pastor ship of the late Dr. George A. Crawley, Jr. She was active and enthusiastic until her health begins to fail in the late 1980’s. Rose belonged to several ministries and organizations and held several official positions; Asst. Superintendent of Sunday school, Sunday school and Vacation Bible School Instructor, and youth Department Advisor. She was a member of the flower and Courtesy Guild, the senior Missionary Society and the Gospel and Sanctuary Choirs. In 1989, Dr. George A. Crawley, Jr. appointed Rosemary to the Board of Deaconess, due to her failing health, she was unable to serve. In May of the same year, Rosemary was presented the faithful service award by the Board of deaconess. Although unable to attend worship service on a regular basis, Rosemary remained a faithful and devoted member. She often called members on the sick and shut-in list, offering prayer and kind words of encouragement. Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6 “trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not to thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direst thy path.” Rose leave to mourn their loss, four children: Larry Williams, Natalie Burns, Sharon Saunders, and Crystal Jones; son-in-laws Royal Burns and Kenneth Saunders, Sr. six grandchildren: Nathan Burns, Davina Williams, Keyona Williams, Kenneth Saunders, Jr., Quanisha Saunders and Tenia Saunders, five great grandchildren, Taylor, Amaya, Laila, Alijah and Aiden, sister Mary Harris and foster brother Sean Hargrove. All other sibling pre-deceased her death; brothers; Edward Jarvis, William Henry Jarvis, James Randolph Jarvis, Robert Jarvis (Wali Muhammed) and Booker T. Jarvis, sister: Dorothy Jarvis and Sarah Ann Tabb. Rosemary is also survived by her god-daughter Audra Thomas, life long friend and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Rosemary J. Williams

March 31, 1936 - October 27, 2013