Rosa H. McLauchlin

Pastor Rosa McLauchlin (Rosa Leen Hayes), a native of Mullins, South Carolina, was the third child born to the late Arthur and Kathleen (Platt) Hayes on August 20, 1949. In 1967, she graduated from Palmetto High School in Mullins, South Carolina ranked number 9 in her graduating class. She had an emphasis in business and college and also campaigned for school Queen, Miss Palmetto.

Raised in a godly home, Rosa accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and she pursued God faithfully. She moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut with her family in 1974 and became a member of Ebenezer Gospel Assembly on June 1st of 1975. She received her diploma in General Bible Studies from Bethel Bible Institute in 1977. Certificates in Evangelism and Christian Workers, and diploma in General Bible, Bachelor of Religious Education (B.R.E.) from United Christian College in 1985.

In 1994 she graduated with a Master of Theology from International Seminary. She never stopped learning. In 2014 she received her bachelor's in management information systems with a minor in Business and in 2016 received her master's in human services counseling; Christian Ministries all from Liberty University.

Her academic achievements were accomplished all while caring for her daughter and working in her career. Working over 20 years teaching computers and software and problem solving through her roles at Bridgeport Board of Education Parent Center, Central High Adult Night School, Hall Neighborhood, Cardinal Shehan Center, and Aetna. She has touched countless lives all while showing the love of Christ in her training approach. Her soft smile and genuine love of helping others shined in everything she did.

In October of 1977, United Prayer Deliverance Center, Inc. was birthed by the late Dr. Nathaniel P. Hayes, Sr. and Evangelist Judy Hayes on 774 Kossuth Street in Bridgeport, CT. Rosa faithfully served alongside her brother and sister-in-law as the Associate Pastor and Executive Secretary from 1977 until 2000 under the new ministry name, Word Aflame. She later rejoined Ebenezer Gospel Assembly on December 3rd of 2023.

Pastor Rosa peacefully entered eternal rest early Saturday morning, November 29, 2025, at YNHH Bridgeport Hospital in Bridgeport, CT. She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Kathleen (Platt) Hayes, Aunts Beulah Mae Hayes, Dorothy Rosenbloom, Margaret Reaves, Fronnie Mae Gerald, Hazeleen McCoy and Uncles Acie Platt Jr., James Platt, brothers John Archie Hayes, James Hayward Hayes, Nathanial Platt Hayes, Sr. and Christopher Franklin Hayes, Sr. and sister-in-law Mae Pearl Hayes.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Rochelle Hayes McLauchlin, her siblings Rev. Thomas W. Hayes, Sr., Rev. Anthony (Aubrey) Hayes, Sr., Mary Ellen Hayes, two granddaughters: Zenlonie Ocsius and Xoleil Ocsius. Sisters-in-law Jocelyn Miller-Hayes, Judy Hayes and Nadine P. Hayes and a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, godchild, other family members and friends.

Rosa's life will be celebrated on Saturday, 13th of December 2025, with a visitation at 10:00am EST, followed by a funeral service at 11:00am EST at the Ebenezer Gospel Assembly, 291 Bunnell Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut, 06607.

We invite all those touched by Rosa's life to share memories, stories, and photographs on her memorial page. Rosa's life was a testimony of love, strength, and dedication. Let us honor her memory by sharing the moments that encapsulate her spirit and celebrate her extraordinary life.