Rosa Justine Graham

Rosa Justine Graham “Mother Rose” was born June 28, 1913 in Ripley, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Henry and Mamie Thornton. She was the first of their 5 children - Marylee, Robert, Zoda, and Lavern (L.C.). Mother Rose’s family moved to Carbondale, IL while she was still a young girl, where she attended elementary and high school. In 1932, she met and married Aaron Henry Brinson Sr. To this union two sons were born, Aaron Henry Brinson Jr. and Edgar Gedon Brinson Sr. (Ahmeshadye Ben Israel). Mother Rose moved to Ford Heights, IL (formerly East Chicago Heights) in 1950 where she lived for over 65 years and later married Edgar Graham. She provided much stability for the family, and her telephone number is older than ALL of her grandbabies. She was a true Matriarch, Queen, Rock and Foundation. Mother Rose was a member of the First Union Missionary Baptist Church in Ford Heights, IL for over 50 years where she actively served on the Mother’s Board. She worked at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL and at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights, IL as a nurse’s aide in the Labor and Delivery Department for 35 years until her retirement. She remained an active member in the community after retirement volunteering and working as a companion to seniors until age 95. Family and friends were Mother Rose’s passion and delight. For several years she visited Israel. She fulfilled one of her many dreams when she and her mother Mamie travelled to Israel together and were baptized in the River of Jordan. She talked about this experience often with fondness and tears of joy. When asked what her secret to a long life is, she would reply “The secret to living long is being an obedient child!” Mother lived for God for a wonderful 101 years! Her granddaughter, Katie Brinson (Nogah) lovingly cared for her the last 6 years of her life. Katie’s daughter, Yahleeyah Blackwell also provided assistance with her care in recent years. The family gives them and everyone else who cared for Mother Rose their greatest gratitude. Mother Rose entered Heaven’s gates on January 8, 2015. Making their transition before her, were her parents, Henry and Mamie Thornton; and four her siblings, Marylee, Robert, Zoda, and Lavern (L.C.). Mother Rose was surrounded in love and is survived by her two sons, Aaron Henry Brinson Jr. and Edgar Gedon Brinson Sr. (Ahmeshadye Ben Israel) Helen Brinson; grandchildren, LaTina Brinson, Katie Brinson (Nogah), Edgar Gedon Brinson Jr. (Nathan), Marlowe Brinson and Lenal Brinson (Deno); and a host of other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, great grand nieces and nephews, as well other relatives and close friends. She was truly blessed and loved. God gives us the comfort in the form of family and good friends. May his peace be with you, for his love never ends. The Family of Rosa J. Graham

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Rosa Justine Graham

June 28, 1913 - January 8, 2015