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Rosetta Powell (AKA Rosie Red) was born November 16, 1935. She was the 7th child of Nellie and James Henry Gelsey and the sibling of 16 sisters and brothers. She was married 42 years to Willie (Buster) Powell and was married until she was widowed on December 1, 2000.
She attended the public school system of Duval County and became employed at the age of 17 at Lays Potato Chip Factory until she went to pursue her education and received her GED. She became motivated to continue her education after being inspired by her sister Almeta Moorer. She began her undergraduate journey at Edward Waters College of Jacksonville, Florida, and received her BA degree in Early Childhood education and graduated Cum laude. Soon after graduation, Rosetta became a part of the Thomas Jefferson Elementary faculty as a Kindergarten teacher. Shortly thereafter, she drove to Tallahassee, Florida every Saturday to Florida A & M University and received her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood. She worked as a kindergarten teacher for 23 years until retirement.
Rosetta was a pillar in the community. She fed the hungry, drove the elderly to the grocery store and led many souls to Christ. She was popular for her homemade biscuits and dough bread that people drove miles every Saturday to partake. She was also the candy and honey dripper lady at home and at church out of the trunk of her car. Children from all over came to buy her pineapple, strawberry and lime honey drippers, pickles, snickers, and M & M’s. What a delight! Rosetta was an entertainer, she loved being the center of attention and was the life of all gatherings. She loved dancing and singing and was good at harmonizing to all genres of music. Most of all, Rosetta portrayed an excellent example of love, leadership and kindness to everyone she encountered while leaving a lasting positive impression of herself.
Rosetta was a faithful and dedicated Christian and attended New Born House of the Lord Jesus Deliverance Temple under the leadership of Bishop Richard L. Givens for over 30 years. There, she was the church secretary, choir director and served in many other capacities. She was a dedicated member who attended Sunday School, Sunday morning and Tuesday night services every week that proved her loyalty to God and Service. Thereafter, Rosetta became a member of Truth for Living Ministries under the leadership of Bishops Leonard and Carolyn Love and continued to exemplify a servant’s heart in her commitment to God. In addition, when her daughter Enola Goodman received her pastoral calling, without hesitation, she became a member of Hidden Seed Ministries until the name changed to New Breed Creation Life Center. She was one of three mothers of the church. She followed the teaching of Malachi 3:8 “Will a man rob God though we rob Him in tithe and offering.” She ensured that every month she adhered to that teaching and made it priority to give her ten percent and first fruit. As God blessed her financially, she was a blessing to others.
Rosetta was called to rest in the arms of Jesus on November 19, 2022 at the age of 87 joining her late husband, Willie (Buster) Powell; her father, James Henry Gelsey; her mother, Nellie Fisher Gelsey; her three sisters, Dorothy Boglin, Almeta Moore (Simon), and Nellie Campbell (Frank); her two brothers, James Gelsey (Sue) and Rufus Gelsey (Maxine); and her son, Roland Lavern Powell (Charlotte).
She leaves to cherish the fond memories, daughters, Pastor Enola Goodman (Caregiver), Dr. June P. Jones (Stanley) and Tamara Powell; son, Vincent L. Powell; sister, Leola Poole; grandchildren and great grands: Dr. Erakal J. Goodman (DeAndre, Dyman), Andre Benn (La’Keyera, Tatyana, Kelise), Roland Powell II (Nyla) Vincent Powell II (Delicia, Kendall, Vincent III), Elecia Goodman (Quenisha, Reign, Divine), Ronise (Jason), Vamecia Powell, Damond Cullins (Jada), Rolanda Powell, April Jones (Ariya) Vinezia (Nazir); daughter-in-law, Charlotte Powell (Sherila, Tuledo, Alene, Tomika); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in laws, and friends.
Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.
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