Rosetta Clark Waters

Just shy of her 85th birthday, ROSETTA CLARK WATERS peacefully left this earth. How painful it was to watch that last breath being taken by one you've loved so deeply for so very long. But, oh how special to see the aura of calm and peace on her face that followed, replacing the pain, trouble and worry of a lifetime. Independent and self-reliant from the start, Rosetta Lowell Clark was born to John and Charlotte Clark in Baltimore, MD on October 25, 1920. The family grew up in the heart of Baltimore City at 1410 Whitelock St. then called Sugar Hill. Never a dull moment in the Clark household with Rosetta arid her four brothers and sisters - Wilhelmina, Cora, John Thomas, and Wardell. Their mother Charlotte, a loyal servant of the Lord, raised her five children in the church, always faithful to the word of God. Sharon Baptist was their church home, where Rosetta remained a loyal member for 25 years. Rosetta then joined Saint James Episcopal Church, and remained a loyal member, 50+ years, until her passing. Graduating from Douglass High School in 1938, Rosetta wanted more, and went on to Cortez Peters Business School, where she graduated with honors. Rosetta's newly acquired skills found a place at the War Dept. in Washington, DC, where she worked and lived for a number of years. During this time, Rosetta met her husband Alfred Allen Waters. Moving back to Baltimore and married in May of 1944, Rosetta and Alfred had three children - Valerie Clark, Phyllis Allene and Rosetta Barnette. Always putting her daughters first no matter what, Rosetta raised her family in the teachings of her mother, seeing all three of her daughters Confirmed at Saint James. After moving back to Baltimore where she spent the remainder of her years, Rosetta's skills and new experience from the War Dept. landed her a job at the Social Security Administration. It is here where Rosetta would finish her formal working career after 35 years of service, retiring in September 1978. Having already accomplished her family dream, seeing all three daughters graduate from college, Rosetta now focused her attention on her extended family. What a special day it was when her first grandchild, Kala Waters, was born. But that was just the start. The joy continued with the next grandchild, Brianne Phyllis; and the next Lerin Allene. The chain of women was broken when little Phillip Alfred Allen was born. Rosetta's first grandson, and how proud she was. The new trend continued with the great grandchildren. Little Roman Breon was the first - Romey as Rosetta called him. How fun it was to watch them together. As Roman began his toddler years, Rosetta's health began to deteriorate. At the same time, her second great grandchild, Caden Lerin-Lee, was on the way. Rosetta vowed to be here when he arrived and she was true to her word. "Just as each child is different, so too is the relationship a mother has with each of her children." And so it was with Rosetta and her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. As in life, Rosetta seemed to always know just what each one needed, the right thing to say and do to make it Ok. Rosetta was a special person. If you ever had the pleasure of visiting her home, you left with your stomach full and a smile on your face. She loved to cook, and a great cook she was - she took pleasure at the look of satisfaction on your face after sitting down at her table for a meal. "A mother is unselfish love and a vast understanding." Our mother was all of this, but much more to each of us in individual ways. Rosetta was the backbone of our family. Oh how we will miss her. Lovingly submitted by Rosetta's daughters, Valerie, Phyllis, and namesake, Rosetta B.

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Rosetta Clark Waters

October 25, 1920 - July 30, 2005