Mrs. Rosa Lee Jones-Winchester

Early Sunday morning November 27th in the year of our Lord 2016, somewhere between the hour of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. a steadfast servant of the Lord was called to her eternal home. Her spirit soared peacefully through the sky and she is now resting in the arms of her heavenly Father. Rosa Lee Jones Winchester, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend transitioned from this earthly life at Heartland Healthcare Nursing Facility of Saginaw, Michigan where she was a resident since May 5, 2009. Rosa Lee Jones was born to the union of James Jones, Sr. and Amy Early Jones on March 20, 1932 in Simmesport, Louisiana. She was one of fourteen children which included seven girls and seven boys. Rosa attended school through her elementary and junior high years in the Simmesport School District. She then relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana where she attended and graduated from McDonogh #35 High School. After receiving her high school diploma, Rosa matriculated at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with concentration in English and a minor in Library Science. After teaching several years in the Pelican State of Louisiana, Rosa relocated to Michigan to the Wolverine State. She attended Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan where she earned a Master of Arts Degree in English. In the coming years she enrolled in Michigan State University’s Doctoral Program and completed thirty additional graduate hours. Rosa was employed by the Saginaw Public School District where she rendered thirty seven years of quality, professional and dedicated service. Her first teaching assignment was at Potter Elementary School where she taught 5th grade. After several years at Potter, Rosa left the elementary school level to take a teaching assignment at Arthur Hill Technical High School, a school that housed all male students. She was one of very few female teachers and the only black female teacher in the building. After several years of teaching English at Tech, the district officials decided to close the doors of Arthur Hill Technical High School for good. Shortly thereafter, the school was demolished. In the fall of 1970 Rosa became a Trojan. She began teaching at Saginaw High School in the Language Arts Department where she remained for 27 consecutive years. While working at the home of the Trojans, Rosa served as the advisor for the National Honor Society for many years. This position was very near and dear to her heart. She proved that by her dedication, commitment, time investment and the caliber of work she gave to the organization. She was honored by Saginaw High School at a special banquet ceremony upon completion of 25 years of service to the Trojans. She was very happy and proud to receive this honor. A picture of her commemorating this award continues to be displayed on the wall of the Saginaw High School Teacher’s Lounge today along with the other recipients. Rose genuinely loved her Saginaw High School family including the faculty, staff and students. She took a special interest in her students and loved them as if they were her own children. More often than not, she referred to them as her babies. Rosa facilitated her job as an educator in a very serious and professional manner as she molded the leaders of the future. She participated in all things “Trojan” including homecoming celebrations, sporting events, special senior activities, proms, special programs and holiday events. She looked forward to the weekly Black and Gold Day each Friday. Over the years she acquired a colossal collection of black and gold attire to ensure that she would always be prepared. “The High”, as she affectionately referred to it was regarded by her as one of the greatest places on earth. Rosa was also very involved in her community. While attending Southern University, she was initiated into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Beta Alpha Chapter. After moving to Saginaw, Rosa became a charter member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Omega Zeta Chapter. She was a member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Gamma Kappa Chapter, a lifetime member of the NAACP, an American Red Cross volunteer and a former member of the Women’s Progressive Club of Saginaw as well. Rosa was a proud member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church since 1964. She was very active in its auxiliaries serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Children’s Choir & Mission Choir director, Mission choir member, Mass Choir member, Vacation Bible School director, member of the Board of Trustees, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Youth department director and she was the first female Superintendent of the Sunday School Department. She loved her church family and gave her time tirelessly. Rosa Lee Jones united in marriage with Roosevelt Winchester on June 8, 1958. He claimed his seat in glory on April 11, 2005. Here to build on her legacy, cherish the wonderful memories and celebrate her spectacular life is her daughter Sabre Jean Winchester of Saginaw, MI; two granddaughters, Brandalynn Rosa Winchester Middlebrook (Damon) of Lansing, MI and Sydnee Olivia Winchester; two grandsons, Jonathan James Winchester and Hilry Hosa Jones Winchester; great-granddaughter, Aniyah Winchester Riley, all of Saginaw, MI; two sisters, Earllean Jones of Simmesport, LA and Thelma Grace Terry of La Marque, TX; a nephew whom she was very fond of, Donyea F. (LaWanda) Jones of Country Club Hills, IL; two special nieces, Anisa L. (Emanuel) Jordan of Chicago, IL and Tammye Odessa Jones (Willie) Smith of Baton Rouge, LA; a special nephew who resided in her home while living in Michigan, Timothy Odell Jones of Heflin, LA; also a niece with whom she had a very special relationship for many years, Jacqueline Travis (John) Ruffin of Texas City, TX; two Goddaughters, Sonia Jackson (Kenneth) Myles of Mason, OH and Tiffany L. Robbins of Indianapolis, IN; Godson, Alon Byrd of Holland, Michigan; two very special cousins, Dorothy Early (Johnny) Davis of Baton Rouge, LA and Gladys Early Coles of Dearborn Heights, MI; sister-in-law, Helena Jones of San Antonio, TX; brother-in-law, Joseph Winchester, Jr. of Saginaw, MI; spiritual daughter, Constance Patricia Pope of Dayton Beach, FL; spiritual grandson, Frederick J. Riley of Chicago, IL; spiritual niece, Linda Buckley Bolton of Saginaw, MI; a long time devoted family friend, James H. Foster of Saginaw, MI; and a spiritual sister as well as a loyal, dedicated and trust worthy lifetime friend, Nella Dean Brewer (James) Jackson of Southfield, MI. Along with her husband, Roosevelt Winchester; parents, James and Amy Jones, Sr.; four sisters, Cora Jones Melton, Vizella Jones Thornton, Henrietta Jones Brown and Irene Jones; seven brothers, James Jr., Eldrige, Paul, John, Rev Hilry H., Fred and Rev. Sidney L. Jones; and a multitude of other relatives and friends were waiting at heaven’s gates to welcome her. Rosa was a virtuous woman of God. Funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 721 Johnson Street. Pastor Rodrick A. Smith will officiate. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue on Tuesday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. The family will be present to greet friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Mrs. Rosa Lee Jones-Winchester

March 20, 1932 - November 27, 2016