Rose Mary Williams

In the city of Los Angeles on October 14th, 1948, Rose Mary Woods was born. She was the seventh child born of thirteen children to James Woods and Beatrice Harris. She was nurtured and raised by James and Elnora Woods who resided in Monrovia, CA. She attended elementary school, Jr. high, and completed the eleventh grade at Monrovia High School. During this time, she was introduced to Marion Williams by Marion's brother, Donnie Williams. Upon their introduction, it was love at first sight! They proceeded to court throughout that winter and spring seasons. Surprisingly, on May 24th of 1965, after a long eight months of endless conversations, Marion decided to ask Rose for her hand in marriage. That very same night, they were united in holy matrimony by her pastor, Reverend George Bailey at her tender age of sixteen.
She was a faithful member at Second Baptist Church up until Mother Woods instructed Rose that it was time to follow her husband. She then joined her husband and became a faithful member at Lily of The Valley Apostolic Church in Monrovia, CA. They were both under the leadership of then pastor, Bishop Fabor Morgan. Rose was baptized in Jesus name and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost in December of 1971.
As the years went on she gave birth to four beautiful natural children: Christopher Lee, Vinson Larell, Cheryl Monique and Mervin Lashawn Williams. Rose was a very active and well-grounded person. Inspired by being a full time mother and homemaker, she tended to her family with the upmost love and care. Despite the fact that she did not complete high school, Rose was a very intelligent, well versed and poised young lady. She dedicated her life to inspiring her children to rise above her own situation by providing them with the necessary essentials to complete high school and continue their education. In the midst of having a challenged child, doctors encouraged Rose and Marion to relieve themselves of their challenged child. They were told that she would not have a successful life and the burden of raising a child would be too hard to bare. They said, No, not so! They stood on the word of God and united, the two put all faith and trust in their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. With and room in their hearts, Rose Mary and Marion willingly took on the responsibly of raising two teenagers, Joseph Kammerzell from Liberia, West Africa and Patricia Brown from New Orleans, Louisiana. The journey did not stop there. Throughout the years, Rose and Marion offered their home and care for many young adults and treated them just like family.
During their fellowship at Lily of the Valley, Rose Mary became Sunday School Superintendent. It was apparent that her love for God and her passionate service in the household of faith began to shine. She earnestly and diligently conducted Sunday School lessons and organized biblical and spiritual activities and programs for the children and young adults that encouraged the teachings of the Bible, trust, belief and growth in God.
In 1982, towards the end of their fellowship with Lily of The Valley, God lead Marion and Rose across Los Angeles County to Greater Bethlehem Temple Church in Inglewood, California. Under the leadership of Bishop Winston L. Singleton Sr., Rose grew stronger in the Lord and became an anointed and dedicated member for over 20 years. During their fellowship with Greater Bethlehem Temple Church, Rose worked fervently and tirelessly with her husband on activities such as planning and organizing the California and Western States Council scheduled to be hosted by Greater Bethlehem Temple. She also served as President of the California and Western States Council displaying and demonstrating outstanding leadership skills while in office.
One Friday night in 1983, the annual church elections were held. Rose was nominated for President of the Missionary Department and by majority vote, she became the President of the Missionary Department. She enriched this department with her drive and God given abilities that set the standard then on. She founded the Annual Missionary Award Dinner Banquet which was always held at selected luxurious 5 star hotels honoring saints for their faithfulness and steadfastness in the house of the Lord. In 1986, as part of the annual dinner, the Missionary of The Year Award was incorporated. This was so exciting! The chosen missionary saint's name was announced, walked towards the podium, crowned with a sparkling tiara/crown and robed with a tailor made long length cape. It was truly an honor to be recognized as Missionary of the Year. She knew how to create a special ambience in the air that you could feel. She hosted fourth Sunday fellowship programs featuring dynamic speakers and came up with creative themes and topics which encouraged the saints and visitors. She served in this position until 1992. However, in 1999, she was appointed by Bishop Singleton to once again preside over the Missionary Department.
1999 was a very special year for Bishop Singleton. Once again, Rose flourished in displaying and demonstrating her organizational and planning skills. She was so professional and confident. She had the honor and privilege of working side by side with First Lady Norma Jean Singleton, Youth President Elder Winston Singleton Jr. along with his wife Sis. Jenny Singleton, and the appointed staff to plan this once in a lifetime, spectacular 60th birthday celebration for Bishop Singleton at the elegant Beverly Hills Hotel. Saints came from near and far to commemorate the milestone celebration for the Bishop.
Evangelist Rose participated and supported other departments such as the Appreciation Committee under the leadership of Minister Obie Chappell, the Pastor's Aid under the leadership of Minister Adrian Bernard, the Nurses Guild under the leadership of Evangelist Rosetta Myers, the Home Mission and Foreign Mission to name a few. Rose was truly a hard worker and put her heart in all she was involved in.u
In 1996, as two peas in a pod, Marion and Rose enrolled in the Evangelical Training Association course under the tutelage of Sis. Betty Lang, School Superintendent. The course was offer by the Pentecostal Churches of The Apostolic Faith Organization to all churches within the association. Any saint successfully completing this course would become certified to teach Sunday School or become a Sunday School Teacher. Marion and Rose faithfully and studiously attended class each week and received very high tests scores with confidence. At the end of course, they graduated and received their well-deserved certification. With her husband they participated in every event possibly held through the Pentecostal Churches of The Apostolic Faith Organization and for some sudden reason they were not able to attend, they faithfully sent their love offering.
Rose had compassion for all people, saved and unsaved. She dedicated her life to God by whole heartedly serving the Lord and through the Lord she allowed herself to be used by God. She sang as a lead soloist in the choir with an anointing so heavy that her voice would lift you to a higher level in praise.
In 2003, God called Elder Marion Williams to pastor Bethlehem Temple Church in Monrovia, CA. which was in his community, where Pastor Sarah Delany presided prior to her passing. Elder Williams accepted his new calling and relocated. Rose became First Lady.
Evangelist Rose Mary Williams was the FIRST APPOINTED FEMALE CO-PASTOR alongside her husband Pastor Marion Williams of Bethlehem Temple Church by Bishop Lewis D. Stallworth Sr. Also, in 2005 she was honored and given an award by Bishop Robert T. Douglas of the Church Ladder Day Saints in Inglewood, California for all her many, many years of dedicated service.
Rose's favorite things was to share her anointed vocals with the world and her skill of cooking that you dare not want to miss on special occasions and holidays. Rose's mouthwatering signature dishes were baked macaroni and cheese accompanied with her tasty Lemon Meringue and sweet potato pies! Anyone who knew Rose Mary knew she also had a sophisticated and classy sense of fashion. Her dress was impeccable from her head to her toes and when see travelex, her look did not go unrecognized. She was a very active woman who went on countless family, church and romantic trips with her husband. The would enjoy fishing, camping and being surrounded by the ocean with family and friends or just them.
As her health began to decline and she could no longer participate in family or church activities. However, she maintained her strength as best she could after the passing of her dear son Vinson Williams. Her health made her weaker and weaker but she never strayed from God's promises. Without complaining, Rose's loving, faithful, dedicated, unwavering and unrelenting husband consistently stood by her side each and every day the Lord allowed him until Rose's last moment. Rose was truly the Eve to Marion's Adam. His Rose.
Rose Mary Williams will be deeply missed by many. Preceding her death are her parents Beatrice Harris and James Woods, Elnora Woodds, her son Vinson Lorelle Williams, Sisters: Darlene Warren, Carol Roberson, Lorraine Bingham and Linda Harris.Brothers: Ernest Feltus and Timothy Harris
Leaving to mourn her passing are District Elder Pastor Marion Williams, Sr., Christopher Lee William (Willie), Cheryl Monique, Mervin Lashawn William (Debra Ann), Joseph Elias Kammerzell (Pamela), Patricia Ann Hale (Darvis), Elder Charles Moody, III. Grandchildren, Tiffany M. Kammerzell, Aaron Williams, Andru Williams, Nikole Williams, Kyle Baynham(Claudia), Jeremiah Williams, Christopher Williams, Jr, Mar quids Peter's, Shaquille PInkney,DARRELLE Edward's, Roy Nesta Mix, Darrell Mix, Lashawn Williams, Jareh Williams, Raven Hale, Josey Kammerzell, Fonda Kammerzell, Mianette Kammerzell, Jasmine Williams, Camron Williams, Great grandchildren: Shahar Burford, Amanda Washington, Christopher Castellanos, Amish and Roman Baynham Elaine Ross Susan Charles and Debra Harris. Brothers: Bruce Harris, Marvin Harris Bishop Donnie williams (Valerie) and family, District Elder Nathaniel Brown and family, and a Host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Church Family and Friends who love her very much. She will always be remembered.