Ms. Rosie Lee Howard

Rosie Lee Caston was born August 19, 1926 in Edwards, Mississippi to Matilda Clay and Milton Caston. At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized at St. James Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Fred Black. Her education was received from the public schools in Edwards, Mississippi. At the age sixteen, she moved to San Francisco, California with her Aunt and Uncle, Carrie and Johnny Tillman. On September 22, 1947 Rosie Lee Caston and Vernon Howard were married. Until departed by death, they remained married for 57 years. To this union, three children were born: two daughters; Verna Lee and Cynthia Ann and one son; Bernard Milton. In January 1944, Rosie Lee united with Providence Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. F. B. Banks, located at 365 Third Street, San Francisco, California. She was a dedicated member of the Ruth Circle, Usher Board, Baptist Training Union (BTU), Noon Day Bible Study, Voices of Providence and the culinary committee. She also organized and founded the Fellowship Committee which remains active today. Until the age of 80, Rosie Lee remained an active member. Her work career included, Blum's of San Francisco, Canteen Corporation, the United States Postal Service and finally, retiring from the San Francisco Unifiied School Disttrict. Rosie Lee was an excellent cook and enjoyed serving others. As a result, she became a self-entrepreneur and established a successful catering business. For many years, people looked forward to a seat at her table. On Friday, January 9, 2015, she transitioned peacefully, at 88 years young, Rosie Lee looked to joining her husband, Vernon, in Paradise. Both will continue to be loved and dearly missed by all who knew them. Rosie Lee leaves her loving and beautiful memories to her two daughters: Verna Lee Howard and Cynthia Ann Mitchell, and to her son; Bernard M. (Wanda) Howard. Her life legacy and rich memories will be forever cherished by one brother, Johnny B. Harris of Haughton, Louisiana; two sisters, Willie Mae Carter of Edwards, Mississippi and Georgia A. Cross of Moreno Valley, California; six grandchildren, Hilliard C. (Tiffany) Terry III; Michael C.(Ericka) Mitchell; Monique N. Howard ; Rondell D. Howard; Tiffany R. Howard and Jalen B. Howard; three great-grandchildren, Michael C. Mitchell, Jr; Maxwell E. Mitchell and Hilliard C. Terry IV; three godsons, Antonio "Tony" D. (Lanee) Johnson; Timothy E. Gray and Huey P. (Tara) Madison Jr; two sisters-in-law, Leonora V. Howard of Houston, Texas and Delores Q. Howard of Los Angeles, California and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also a welcoming grandmother and great-grandmother to Felicia Walker, Syvonne (Richard) Jackson and Jason (Melissa) Smith, Jaycee Smith, Jalen Smith, Jeremiah Smith, Maya Williams, Jerry (Trey) Lee, Ra'Lani Jackson, Richard Jackson Jr. and Ra'nyla Jackson. She will forever be in the hearts of her closest friends, dedicated and compassionate caregivers, and the Providence Baptist Church family.