Rosetta Lawson

Rosetta Watts Lawson was born to William and Cenia Watts in Nassawaddox, Virginia on January 31, 1920. Rosetta being born in the south during that period would had been delivered by a mid-wife therefore, we have two other birth dates February 9 which she celebrated for many years and later finding that her birthday could have been January 16 which is the same as her oldest son Samuel Lawson or Gary as we affectionately know him. Rosetta didn’t mind having three birthdates because for sure she celebrated them all and expected the same amount of attention from her family, which we gave. Her parents Cenia Beckett Watts and William Watts, seven brothers and sisters preceded her in death making her the eighth sister to join the Watts family leaving her surviving brother Ernest Watts to carry on as Head of the family. Rosetta followed her sister Lillian Watts “Lily Mae” to Philadelphia at the age of 16 and lived with three sisters Gertrude, Myrtle and Mae Lawson whom would have a life long lasting bond. They became family when she met and married their brother, Samuel G. Lawson III on May 8, 1948 after his honorary discharge from the Navy. Of this union were her first born son Samuel, III daughter Pamela and son Ronald. Rosetta loved to sing and was a member of North Penn Baptist Church Hallelujah Choir in North Philadelphia for more than 30 years where she raised her children. Rosetta moved to California to be with her daughter Pamela in 1979. Rosetta came to California always seeking a church to worship and celebrate her faith in God. For the first few years she attended Cornerstone Baptist Church in Oakland, but because she lived in Hayward it was difficult for her to attend regularly. Rosetta had great neighbors Vivian and Arthur Simmons who invited her to come worship and she later joined Palma Ceia. She joined the Prayer Warriors and worked diligently in her church up until her Dementia over came her. After her Dementia diagnosis in 1994 Rosetta moved to St. Regis in Hayward for her own safety. Her new location gave her new opportunities. Now even though she was suppose to be a resident as far as she was concerned it was surely her home. There she took charge and became Resident-In-Chief even though she was told she really didn’t have to. She answered phones if no one was at the front desk, even though the staff really rather she didn’t and sometimes took good messages. Friday evenings was social night and residents would come just to see and participate in what was known as “The Dancer”. Rosetta would dance the night away and residents enjoyed her classy style. She was a very sophisticated lady and everyone knew her name. Rosetta took good care of St. Regis and made sure everything was in place. She even locked office doors when staff had gone home for the evening often times leaving them scrambling for maintenance to unlock them the next day. And because she was a night walker she ensured the night staff was not somewhere taking naps. At night when everyone was in there places you could hear Rosetta powerful yet angelical singing Gospels or Spirituals all through the building. This was her home so she was in charge and made sure everything was in check. St. Regis found Rosetta so over qualified she was asked to find another facility to take care of and was relocated to Summerville Land Mark Villa. Summerville said that they were skilled in assisted living for seniors and Rosetta came to assist. Her new opportunities took another turn. Her infectious laughter would spread in an instance. Her zest for life and activity always took her outdoors even though she was supposed to stay indoors. Her skills afforded them the opportunity to increase security by putting in an alarm system that would alert people leaving prematurely and Rosetta made sure she tested it regularly. From time to time she would not only test their security capabilities but locate breeches in places they had not secured. Only once was she returned to the facility with a three car police escort who seemed to enjoy her singing to them. Residents would come to the lounge on Friday night when Rosetta was singing and if there was a dance included it would become a full house. Jr. Walker, Temptations, James Brown and others. This was short lived because her skill sets could not be matched and she was again invited to relocate to Vintage Estates a skilled nursing facility later becoming Windsor. Rosetta’s love for life and song would _______________________________________________________________________________ During this same time period she claimed the job at the Alzheimer’s Center where she was sent daily to help her with her energetic style. Of course she said they never paid her enough for what she did but loved working with the staff. And the staff would tell you that they loved her style. She was a snazzy dresser, a wonderful singer and her bright personality and infectious laughter was all one needed to have a great day. At age 89 Rosetta had groupies when it came to her singing and dance. Finally she found a place where all of her skill sets were welcomed and she could take on just about any role she imagined. Now there were a few unexplainable situations but she enjoyed herself immensely. Rosetta settled in her home comfortably until God called her to work for him exclusively on April 8, 2011 at 8:10PM. Rosetta’s stories and legacy is left to be cherished by her threechildren Samuel Lawson and wife Lillian, Pamela Williams and Husband Johnie, Ronald Lawson and wife Chana. Her brother Ernest Watts, Grandsons Nathaniel Young, Brian Lawson, Jerrel Lawson, JaMarion & Josiah, Johnie Derric and great grand daughter Johnae, Del Sean and wife Theresa and Great Granddaughter Brandy Williams. Granddaughters Regina Lawson, Aisha Williams Stephens and husband Lewis, Funmilayo Tyler and husband Milton and Great grandsons Adesina and Alade Tyler. A host of nieces and nephews, cousins sister and brothers-in law, family members to numerous to name and many many dear friends. The Family

Rosetta Lawson

January 31, 1920 - April 8, 2011

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Rosetta Lawson

January 31, 1920 - April 8, 2011

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

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Obituaries

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Contact Information