Rosetta Lee Johns' Obituary
Rosetta Lee Jones Johns, “Rose” of Jonestown, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, May 15, 2017 at Caroline Hospice House in Denton. She was 88.
Rosetta was born on January 14, 1929 in Jonestown and was a daughter of the late Reverend Ralph Wood Jones and Nora Sharp Jones. In 1946, she married the late Roy Johns, who preceded her in death on July 10, 1998.
Rosetta graduated from Lockerman High School in Denton, Class of 1946. Her biggest passion in life was serving the Lord. Rosetta was always proud that her father laid the cornerstone of Coppin AME Church in 1912. She was christened there 88 years ago, and remained a lifetime member. All nine of her children were brought up and christened there as well. At Coppin AME, she held many positions and offices, some of which included Stewardess for 61 years, Treasurer for nearly half a century, Historian, Missionary, Conference Delegate, Usher, and Sunday School teacher. Most of all, Rosetta believed in the strong foundation of being a housewife who nurtured her family community with her communicative talents. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to her family. She often assisted her husband by filling in as secretary of his construction company, Diversified Business Enterprises in Dover. She also showed her devotion in the patient and meticulous care provided to her husband after his near fatal accident and later by doing home dialysis so that he would not have to go to the dialysis center. She loved drawing, and was most known for her gourmet cooking and baking. Her home was always open to anyone she knew. "A Taste of History" the title of her published cook book and family history, included many of her famous favorites, especially her sweet potato pies, rolls and homemade fudge. Rosetta was also active in her community serving as President of the P.T.A. at Jonestown Elementary School and later secretary of the P.T.A. and Cub Scout leader at Preston Elementary.
She leaves to cherish her memory eight children and one granddaughter whom she raised, Darlene M. Sturdivent (Alphonzo) of Baltimore, Roy E. Johns (Rosalyn), Don O. Johns, both of Brookeville, Rebecca L. Hackett (Richard) of Baltimore, Melody S. Johns of Philadelphia, Lewis Steven Johns of Preston, Arville Johns of Hurlock, Darron J. Johns of Preston, and Tonya Davis of Gaithersburg. In addition, seventeen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, two sisters Dorothy Burns of Easton and Elsie Frazier of Jonestown, three sisters-in-law, Marjorie Johns of Harrisburg, PA, Catherine Jones of Alexandria, VA and Elmira Collins of Rochester, NY, honorary son Jeffrey Butler, godson Roy Nichols, Jr. as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter Patricia King, two sisters Sarah Collins and Bertha Kinder, a brother Ralph Jones, and six other siblings who died during infancy.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 11 am at the Coppin AME Church in Jonestown with the Reverend Walker officiating. Interment will follow at Maryland Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock. Family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm at the church and on Friday one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Coppin AME Church, 4381 Harmony Road, Preston, Maryland 21655, or to Caroline Hospice, 613 S. 5th Avenue, Denton, MD 21629, in memory of Roy and Rosetta Johns.
To share memories with the family, please visit www.framptom.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Rosetta?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rosetta?
Share a story where Rosetta's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rosetta you’ll never forget.
How did Rosetta make you smile?
