Rosa Williams

Rosa Crew Williams was born August 8,1928 in Washington, Georgia to the late Frank Crew, Sr. and Willie Mae Randall Crew. Rosa had 4 brothers and 5 sisters also raised with her cousin/brother.
Being the daughter of a Sharecropper, she had to leave school early and work on the farm with her father and siblings.
Rosa received Christ as her personal savior and baptized at the Cherry Grove Baptist Church in Washington, Georgia. She always talked about her church in the South regarding how the Holy Ghost moved in the people.
In the early 1940s her parents relocated from Georgia to Philadelphia for better opportunities. Upon relocating to Philadelphia in the early 1940s, Rosa and her family became members of the Mount Enon Baptist Church, 5th & Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA. under the Pastorate of the late Enos Mackey. When Rosa's brother, Rev Wilbert Crew became Pastor of the Lovely Baptist Church in the early 1960's, the family moved their membership to Lovely Baptist. During her Christian experience, she served on the usher board, missionary board, choir, and mothers' board. Due to her illness, she was no longer able to be an active member in the church. Rosa became a member of First African Baptist Church in July 2022 under Dr. Eric D. Jackson, Sr. Senior Pastor/Teacher.
Rosa married the late Bennie Lee Williams in 1952. They were the parents of three children, Annie, Jesse, and Albert. Rosa and Bennie worked hard to provide for their family. In 1957 they relocated from 2700 block of Marshall Street to 6124 Spruce Street in West Philadelphia, PA. This was the family home for the 3 children, grands, and great grands. There was lots of love, good food, memories, and stories. The neighbors and friends loved her warm caring spirit, she made everyone feel comfortable in her home. Rosa took care of some of the neighbors' children. She had a missionary-spirit, and a care giving heart for her sick neighbors. While caring for them she loved to share the message of Christ.
Rosa was known for her good cooking. She loved cooking and spreading her love through food to family and friends. You can always get a meal at Spruce St.
Rosa worked at Scharff Restaurant located 12th & Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, where she was head cook. The customers always requested her food – they would say "who's in the kitchen". On her sick bed she would talk to the nurses about working at Scharff. Rosa was known for her sweet potato pies, cakes, peach cobblers, biscuits, in other words her 'good soul food'. Rosa's cooking legacy will live on through her off-springs. Rosa attended Bok Tech High School evening class to become a seamstress. With that skill, she became employed in the clothing industry. She also, made clothes for herself and her daughter.
Rosa loved shopping and going out to dinner with family. Her favorite seafood restaurant was Captain Starn's in Atlantic City. She enjoyed going on trips especially the cruise to the Bahamas with her sisters.
Rosa was known for telling anyone who would listen about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her words of wisdom through her knowledge of life experience will never be forgotten. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23 and favorite songs was Amazing Grace, and Chilly Winds.
Rosa was proceeded in death by her husband, Bennie Lee Williams; parents, Frank and Willie Mae Crew; siblings: Frank Crew, Jr, Willie Crew, Daisy Cunningham, Marion Baker, Jeremiah Crew, Lucinda Crew; Granddaughters: Lisa Thomas, Desiree McClendon.
Rosa leaves to cherish her memory, 3 children: Annie Stanley, Jesse McClendon, and Albert McClendon (Leslie). 8- Grandchildren: Kelli (Tyrone) Brown, Phaedra (Edwin) Brock, Tiffany McClendon, Andrea, Bennie, Lance, Levar, and Jessica. 13-Great-Grands: Mark, Jason, Kylil, Keyonna, Justin, Jamira, Kenneth, Imani, Anais, Dasia, Daijae, Jasmine, and Carmen. 6- Great-Great Grands: Kendyl, Khari, Jax, Kyla, Melo, and Keon. 1- sister Carrie Davis, 1-brother Rev. Wilbert Crew, 1-aunt Susie Randall, 2 sisters-in law Frances Crew and Ann Williams. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, special friend/daughter Delores Jamison, and special friend Eleanor Hill of 50 plus years.