Obituary of Rosa Spann

Mother Rosa (Walters) Spann was born on April 8, 1929 in Alcolu, South Carolina and departed this life on March 19, 2013. She is the seventh child of nine children born to the late Jesse and Lillian (Kingwood) Walters. Mother Spann received her early education in the public schools of New York City and graduated from Central Commercial High School (now known as Norman Thomas High School) in 1947. Rosa married the love of her life, Robert A. Spann, Sr. From this blessed union came seven children. Rosa and Robert began their journey in Harlem, NY and in June 1956 they purchased the family home in Wyandanch, NY. They were married for 51 years, before Robert passed in 2003. They were blessed to see all seven children graduate high school, attend college and witness a host of other achievements that would make any parent and grandparent proud. Mother Spann enjoyed shopping, reading, listening to gospel music, attending gospel plays, coordinating family events and cooking. She made sure that everyone felt special on their birthday and that all three verses of "Happy Birthday" were sung. She specialized in making mac & cheese, sweet potato pie, carrot cake, pancakes, homemade biscuits and corn bread. After 17 years as a clerk-typist, she retired from Suffolk County Department of Labor. She lived. She loved. She laughed. Family, friends and neighbors will always remember the sound of her loud heartfelt laughter. Mother Spann accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age and was a member of Convent Avenue Baptist Church, Harlem, New York for many years. In 1986, Rosa became a member of Grace Community Christian Ministries, Inc., under the leadership of Rev. Robert Burgess and served faithfully as the President of the Missionary Ministry, a member of the Pastor Aid's Ministry and was honored as Mother of the Year in May 2000. In that same year, she was honored on Mother's Day by her children with a plague: Proverbs 31:10 - "Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman? In 2005, she joined Seed of Faith Evangelist Ministries, Inc. where she served as the Mother of the Church and received a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Seed of Faith Evangelist Ministries. Mother Spann leaves to cherish her beloved children: Lenore, Beatrice (Leroy), Robertha (Harold), Robert Jr. (Lisa), Theresa (Steve), Kevin, Sr. (Denise), and Nadine. Three sisters-in-law, Almeta Adams of Rimini, South Carolina, Roseanne Spann of New York and Kate Walters of Alcolu, South Carolina, 19 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Preceding her in death: her husband, Robert Arthur Spann, Sr.; her parents, Jesse and Lillie Walters, brothers, Hubert, William and Freddie Walters and her sister, Pearl Eunice Pryor. Rosa was known as Mommy, Grandma, Mother Spann, Sister Spann, Aunt Rosa and friend. She was a devoted, loving wife and an absolutely incredible mother. She was a virtuous woman, a praiser and a worshipper. Mommy survived a stroke in 2003 and continued to praise God and celebrate life. She leaves a strong legacy, including the prevailing power of prayer and praise. Thank you for being a true and living example of strength.Thank you for showing all of us how to fight the good fight of faith. On March 19, the heavenly host came, you reached up and praised your way home. No more pain, No more sorrow, thank God for a heavenly tomorrow.