Obituary for Rosie Lee Howard
On the day of April 10, 1947, God released an angel from the heavens above to be bound to the earth and born to the late George and Margrite Vickers of Leland, Mississippi. After fulfilling her purpose on earth, she was called back to heaven on December 10, 2020. Her Name was Rosie Lee Howard, though affectionately known as Rosa Lee, Mama, Grandma and Auntie, but once you knew her, your heart would instantly recognize her has “friend.”
In the early 1960s, Rosa Lee and her eldest brother Roosevelt, ventured to Memphis, Tennessee and soon after, they reunited with their immediate family to reside in Bakersfield, California. Rosa Lee was baptized and accepted Christ at an early age. She was a member of People’s Missionary Baptist Church under the late Rev. Ishmael Kimbrough. She graduated South High School and immediately began working to help take care of her family.
In the early 1980s, Rosa Lee worked as a teacher’s aide but, in 1982 she began working for Haliburton Energy Services, becoming the 2nd African American female in Kern County to work in the oilfields. After 20 years of hauling frac sand, she retired from Haliburton and with momentary thought and consideration, she returned to the work force to be employed by North Kern State Prison in Delano, CA,. She worked in the Food Services Division as a supply driver, delivering food products to multiple custody units until she decided to officially retire.
Once finally retired, Rosa Lee would spend an ample amount of time caring for her back yard. On any given day, she could be found in the back yard trimming flowers, raking grass, re-organizing patio furniture, painting chairs, or just sitting in her backyard with an ice-cold beverage. On days that did not permit outdoor activities, Rosa Lee had a thing for home décor. She had a living room that not even the President himself was allowed in. This particular room housed and showcased some of her personal favorite collectibles including vintage telephones, crystal vases, kerosine lamps, and an assortment of 60s, 70s and 80s R&B music. Along the lines of her life, she took an interest in teddy bears where she transformed a spare bedroom into a teddy bear palace. At one point, she had over 500 bears and was willing to accept more. As well as bears that she had a seasonal only collection of African American Holiday Barbies that she took tremendous pride in.
Rosie was also loved by many. As described by her best friend Shirley, “If you knew Rosie, you had a friend for life.” Rosie would take the time to sit you down and educate you right from wrong, especially when it came to her own experiences. She loved and cared for everyone, only asking that you do your best and let God handle it all.
Rosie leaves behind her four wonderful children: David and his wife, Natalia, Jonathan and Martannia Thompson; five grandchildren: Shalundra, Alyshia, Nathan, Jonathan Jr., and Jordan; and a blessing of a great granddaughter, Malayshia. Rosa Lee was the eldest of eleven children. She tended to six younger brothers: Roosevelt, Willie, Johnny, O.C., Larry, Jaime and the late George Jr. and three sisters: Rosetta, Ruthie and Eloise, plus a multitude of nieces and nephews whom she personally nicknamed.
Rosie will be missed and loved by many, until she sees us again.
“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
Proverbs 31:31
In the early 1960s, Rosa Lee and her eldest brother Roosevelt, ventured to Memphis, Tennessee and soon after, they reunited with their immediate family to reside in Bakersfield, California. Rosa Lee was baptized and accepted Christ at an early age. She was a member of People’s Missionary Baptist Church under the late Rev. Ishmael Kimbrough. She graduated South High School and immediately began working to help take care of her family.
In the early 1980s, Rosa Lee worked as a teacher’s aide but, in 1982 she began working for Haliburton Energy Services, becoming the 2nd African American female in Kern County to work in the oilfields. After 20 years of hauling frac sand, she retired from Haliburton and with momentary thought and consideration, she returned to the work force to be employed by North Kern State Prison in Delano, CA,. She worked in the Food Services Division as a supply driver, delivering food products to multiple custody units until she decided to officially retire.
Once finally retired, Rosa Lee would spend an ample amount of time caring for her back yard. On any given day, she could be found in the back yard trimming flowers, raking grass, re-organizing patio furniture, painting chairs, or just sitting in her backyard with an ice-cold beverage. On days that did not permit outdoor activities, Rosa Lee had a thing for home décor. She had a living room that not even the President himself was allowed in. This particular room housed and showcased some of her personal favorite collectibles including vintage telephones, crystal vases, kerosine lamps, and an assortment of 60s, 70s and 80s R&B music. Along the lines of her life, she took an interest in teddy bears where she transformed a spare bedroom into a teddy bear palace. At one point, she had over 500 bears and was willing to accept more. As well as bears that she had a seasonal only collection of African American Holiday Barbies that she took tremendous pride in.
Rosie was also loved by many. As described by her best friend Shirley, “If you knew Rosie, you had a friend for life.” Rosie would take the time to sit you down and educate you right from wrong, especially when it came to her own experiences. She loved and cared for everyone, only asking that you do your best and let God handle it all.
Rosie leaves behind her four wonderful children: David and his wife, Natalia, Jonathan and Martannia Thompson; five grandchildren: Shalundra, Alyshia, Nathan, Jonathan Jr., and Jordan; and a blessing of a great granddaughter, Malayshia. Rosa Lee was the eldest of eleven children. She tended to six younger brothers: Roosevelt, Willie, Johnny, O.C., Larry, Jaime and the late George Jr. and three sisters: Rosetta, Ruthie and Eloise, plus a multitude of nieces and nephews whom she personally nicknamed.
Rosie will be missed and loved by many, until she sees us again.
“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
Proverbs 31:31