“What type are you?” My street savvy millennial brother would playfully ask. To which my soft spoken, gentle, 90+ year old grandmother would answer with a loving low chuckle, “Real!”
Losing the matriarch of a family is like losing a piece of our foundation. My grandmother, Rosa Lee Wilson, lived 97 years, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and timeless wisdom.
My grandmother’s death marks the third funeral within a year for the Wilson family. Last October, we lost my oldest uncle, Uncle Dale, and my Pops on the same day. Now, we say goodbye to Mama/Granny.
Growing up, my grandmother, Rosa Lee Wilson, embodied love in its purest form. She was kind-hearted, always greeting us with a warm smile and a song in her heart and on her lips, generously giving whatever she had, especially to her family. As I reflect on her passing at 97, I’m reminded of the countless ways she touched my life and the lives of everyone who knew her.
A Life Well Lived
Mama was born in Kaufman, Texas, on November 28, 1926, the middle child of three. Like many Black children of that era, she quit school early to help provide for her family. Growing up in the South during a time of economic, political, and cultural unrest, she likely could never have imagined the lives her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchild would eventually build for themselves, guided by her prayerful, loving strength.
In her 97 years, Granny witnessed six major wars, numerous conflicts, and lived through segregation and discrimination. Yet, she remained steadfast in her faith, always with a smile on her face.
The Heart of the Family
A Personal Reflection
I will always remember how she patiently walked behind me as I twisted on my scooter up and down Wilhurt Avenue, down to Best For Less, and around Ann Arbor Ave. How she meticulously cut my apples to soothe my bratty young cries. Granny would gently rock me through a raging migraine—a skill I now use with my son and his migraines—whispering, “It’s gone be alright, baby.”
Thanks to my grandmother, I’ve watched every episode of I Love Lucy, I’m a devoted fan of Sonny on General Hospital, and I can solve a Wheel of Fortune puzzle with just one letter revealed.
I’ll forever smile when I think of Granny’s laughter as I greeted her with an innocent lap dance when she was wheelchair-bound. She’d giggle and playfully spank me, “AD!”
Although she didn’t listen to secular music, we shared a love of music and found common ground belting out BeBe & CeCe Winans’ greatest hits.
What a blessing it was to have our matriarch, my grandmother, with us for so many years. Her passing has brought a deep sadness and a sense of loss, but I cannot be selfish.
I’m grateful my children had the chance to know her, hold her hand, and sing with her. The entire family will continue to celebrate her and honor all that she instilled in us. We plan to celebrate her on her birthday—a national holiday!
She fought the good fight, teaching and loving, staying true to her values -real, until her last breath.
Until we meet again, her memory and love will live on in our hearts. She “has gained this life’s reward!“
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7 Comments. Leave new
This is a beautiful tribute to your granny. I was privileged to have been raised by such woman who passed at the age of 102. I think your granny and my Mom would have been best friends as they probably could compare their lives. It was a blessing to have been raised by such God sent women.
Wow! Thank you. What a blessing, 102! The things they must have seen throughout their life.
What a blessing, 97 years so many memories, so much LOVE!!! For me I have lost 8 love one since July 2024. Im struggling right now but God will see me through. Young ages 33 – 62.
My condolences Ms. Liz. That is a lot of love to have physically loss. Sending my love and prayers.
RIP Granny Rosa
RIP
[…] me, and my family, to my core. Then, just when I thought I was finding my footing again, my grandmother passed away. These losses have been tough, and writing about them has been both painful and […]