Rosalind Eugenia Santee

Rosalind Eugenia Santee, known affectionately to friends and family as Ros, after seven years of battling with an illness, passed away peacefully at at the age of 62 at her home in Knoxville TN on June 22, 2025. Born on December 21, 1962, in Athens, Tennessee, she lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and a deep love for her family.

Ros was a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She loved the Lord and genuinely loved singing in the Payne Avenue Missionary Baptist Church Choir.

Ros was a beacon of light to all who knew her. Her warm presence and generous spirit were felt by many throughout her life. Often times she opened her home up to those who needed a place to stay.

After a successful tenure at Caldwells Hallmark Shop, the first black-owned Hallmark Shop in Kansas City, Missouri she went on to work at the Crown Center in the Gift Shop as a Manager. After moving to Knoxville she dedicated over twenty plus years of service to the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Her commitment to her work was paralleled only by her devotion to her faith, as she lived a life exemplifying Christian values.

A lover of life's simple pleasures, Ros found joy in cooking, an activity where she expressed her love and creativity. Friends and family were often the delighted recipients of her culinary masterpieces. In quieter moments, she could be found with a book in hand or enjoying a film, always ready to share in conversation about the latest story that captured her imagination. Above all, the time spent with her son was the most precious to her, as she cherished every moment they shared. According to her loving son Jordan she loved going to the park where she found peace and quiet but never found enough time.

One thing that will be missed are her witty comebacks…. Gail would ask her when her birthday was and she would say 12/21,, then she would ask WHAT YEAR and she would respond with EVERY YEAR. This year she will be celebrating in her heavenly home. One of her most favorite sayings was Snitches get Stitches………. and if you know you know the rest.

Ros was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Jean Ann Caldwell-Walker. She leaves behind a legacy of love and memories with her wonderful son, Jordan Taylor Caldwell Santee and siblings: Annuanita Gail Montgomery, Tracee Shawan Lane, Anna Ross, Terry E. Walker, brothers, Howard H. Lane, Jr. (Cathy), Paulus Demetrius Walker, and Joseph Gabriel Walker, all of whom reside in Knoxville and will continue to honor her memory. She also leaves to mourn her Aunt Donna G. Caldwell and Uncle Terrance E. Caldwell (Sally) who reside in Missouri. She has several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Special friends Brenda Reece, Tyshell Jackson, and Crystal Oody.

Her passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but the impact she made on the world around her will continue to resonate. Rosalind Eugenia Santee's life was a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her spirit, characterized by generosity and love, will forever be remembered as a guiding light to her family, friends, and the community she so dearly loved.