Rosa L. Albritton

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7
On May 24, 2025, Rosa Lee (Cantey) Albritton peacefully departed this life and entered eternal rest in her Father's heavenly arms at Saint Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, NJ. Born on December 25, 1936, in Camden, South Carolina, Rosa was a cherished Christmas blessing-one of ten children born to the late John (Johnnie Man) and Easter (Richardson) Cantey. She was the seventh child in this loving union. Affectionately known as Momma Rose was adored by all who knew her. She was educated in the South Carolina public school system. She attended Jackson High School in Camden, SC and graduated in 1953. After high school, Rosa worked as a Nurse's Aid for local hospitals and nursing homes.
In 1958, Rosa journeyed from north to New Jersey, where she joined her older sisters and made Paterson her new home. She studied at Eastern Business Institute in New York, NY where she enrolled in business and computer science courses. On December 23, 1961 Rosa united in marriage with William Dewain Albritton and they began their life together in Passaic, NJ. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Deidra Albritton (Bundick). Rosa was widowed after Dewain's passing in October of 2001.
"Well done, good and faithful servant..." – Matthew 25:21
Rosa's professional life was marked by dedication and purpose. From 1968 to 1984, she worked with the American Red Cross Passaic Branch as a Community Liaison Representative and Administrative Assistant. Her service helped comfort those affected by disasters, support military families, and sustain critical blood bank efforts. Later, from 1985 to her retirement in 2000, Rosa brought that same precision and work ethic to MetPath Pharmaceutical Company, where she served as a Data Entry Processor. She took pride in her accuracy and attention to detail, always completing her work with excellence.
"Let all that you do be done in love." – 1 Corinthians 16:14
In 2001, Rosa took on her favorite role of daytime care giver for her unofficial grandson, Jordan Montgomery, who affectionally refers to her as Nana Rosa and three years later she served in the same capacity for her beautiful granddaughter, Brianna Rose. Rosa helped to raise and nurture these two children and even though they are both grown, she still referred to them as her babies. Rosa's faith journey was equally rich. She was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church of Garfield, NJ from 1973 through 2005 under Rev. Dr. Calvin McKinney. There she served faithfully on the Usher Board and as December Birth Month Leader, bringing her joy, warmth, and welcoming spirit to every service. In 2006, Rosa joined Community Baptist Church of Englewood, NJ, led by Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. She found deep joy in attending the Strength at Noon Bible Study Ministry and delighted in the fellowship, teachings, and weekly meals. Serving on the Hospitality Ministry, she warmly greeted members and visitors each Sunday, and was later honored to join the Sarah M. Clark Mothers Ministry, working closely with her beloved leader, Mother Shirley Beckham.
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." – Proverbs 31:26
Momma Rosa was a woman of grace, hospitality, and joy. She loved her family fiercely and welcomed all into her home, especially during the holiday season. Her culinary gifts were legendary-pinto beans, black-eyed peas, potato salad, roast beef, fried chicken, and candied yams were just a few of the soul-warming dishes she lovingly prepared. Her favorite saying, "Thank you for God's blessings and glory," echoed her gratitude and faith, and it wasn't uncommon to hear her humming her cherished hymns as she moved about her day.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." – Psalm 116:15
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Cantey and Easter (Richardson) Cantey. Her sisters, Ruth Cantey, Nellie (Cantey) Conklin, Estelle (Cantey) Boswell, Evelyn Cantey and Gladys Cantey. Her brothers, Issac Cantey and Curtis Cantey (Cynthia Cantey) and one special niece, Louise Beasley.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Deidra Albritton-Bundick, son-In-Love, Alvin R. Bundick, her precious granddaughter, Brianna Rose, one sister, Rebecca (Cantey) Stratford, one brother, John Cantey, Jr., special nieces Brittany Beasley and Chyvonne Cantey and a Daughter-In-Love, Hestealier (Hester) Alston. Along with a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She leaves behind an everlasting imprint of kindness and strength-a beacon of light and love for generations to come.
Rosa Lee (Momma Rose) Albritton will be deeply missed, yet her legacy of faith, love, service, and grace will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.