Rosia Crisler

1945 - 2014

Rosia Wade Crisler

Jackson, MS

Rosia Wade Crisler transitioned into eternal life on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at the Baptist Hospital. She will be missed by the many people whose lives she touched. Rosia Wade Crisler was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. She was an engaged citizen who enjoyed a distinguished professional life as a noted educator and participated largely in the civic life of her community, city and state. She had a passion for teaching and spent more than forty years as a classroom teacher at both secondary and postsecondary levels. She taught French, English and Literature. She spent the last years of her career at Hinds Community College, retiring in 2010. She was honored with the distinction of Professor Emeritus. Mrs. Crisler was an accomplished artist who wrote, directed and produced more than 50 theatrical productions as Founding Producing Director of the Daughters of Margaret and Le Metissage Productions. Her acting career spanned over three decades with most of her theatrical accomplishments occurring during her time with New Stage Theatre and on the national stage as a part of the supporting cast of the motion picture, Beulah Land (1980). As one of the most requested professional storytellers, she travelled locally and nationally with her one woman show, Transmissions: Stories that Warm the Heart. She was very civic minded and participated broadly in the civic life of her community. She was a founding member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Central Mississippi Chapter; the 27th President of Mary Church Terrell Literary Club, Inc., advisory board member of the Margaret Walker Alexander national Research Center, an active member of The Links, Inc., Vicksburg Chapter; the Mississippi State Federation of Women's Club and Youth Affiliates; and the Presidential Hills Homeowners Association. Spirtually guided, she joined the Mt. Wade Missionary Baptist Church early in her life and remained a faithful and active member until she joined her husband as a member of the White Oak United Methodist Church in Crystal Springs, MS. She immediately assumed active leadership roles as a Sunday School teacher and a choir member. Rosia and Johnny were married December 24, 1963 and celebrated their 50th anniversary last year on December 24, 2013. In addition to her husband of 50 years, Johnny, she leaves to cherish her life, three children: Johnny F. Crisler (Theresa); Marshand K. Crisler (Charlotte) and Rasheda L. McIntyre (Terron); one step-daughter: Cassandra Smith; nine grandchildren; one great grandson; two brothers, three sisters, two sisters-in-law and legions of close family and friends. A Family Hour is scheduled for Friday, May 2nd from 6pm to 8pm at Westhaven. The Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 3rd at New Jerusalem Church North Campus at 11:00 a.m. The family would like to send a special Thank You to Dr. Jones, Dr. Wade, Dr. Ley, Dr. Shumaker, Dr. Mehrani and the staff of Baptist Hospital. The services have been entrusted to Westhaven Funeral Home.