Rosa L. Bernard

 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7 -8 (NIV)

Rosa L. Bernard, transitioned with peace and grace on the morning of Tuesday, May 21, 2019 as she answered the Masters' call. Rosa was born January 14, 1919 in Nansemond County to the late Eugene and Martha Emily Ward. She received her education from Christian Home School which is now known as "The Schoolhouse Museum" (African -American History Museum of Public Education). After being reared in a Christian Home with strong religious beliefs, she understood the importance of accepting Jesus Christ and developing a relationship with Him as her Lord and Savior. She united with Christian Home Baptist Church at the age of 11 under the pastoral care of Rev. S. L. Scott.

Her parents moved and she later united with Jones Grove Baptist Church, but she never forgot her old church family. Years later, she decided to return to Christian Home Baptist Church after a powerful message coming from Pastor Wendell Waller on July 28, 2002, "Why Don't You Give God a Chance ? " Rev. 3:20. She remained faithful to God and the church by participating and being an active member of the Golden Age Ministry until her health failed.

 Rosa enjoyed being a mother and interacting with her family and friends, reading, watching soap -operas and growing all types of flowers and plants. She was a lover of family and throughout her home you could see displays of family pictures. She made sure that she shared her wisdom and life stories with her family and everyone that she met.

 Predeceased her in death are her parents; her husbands , Richard Wilson and Willie Bernard; siblings Maggie Ward, Lottie Carter, Nancy Ward, Daisy Mae Strikey and James Ward; her daughters Martha Louise Edwards and Rosa Lee Savage and grand -daughter Marneta Rena' Hilliard. Her loving memory will forever remain in the hearts of her devoted daughters, Dorothy Mae Ricks of Smithfield, VA, Geraldine White of Baltimore, MD, Barbara Crawley (Steve) of Smithfield, VA, Ruby Jones (Bernard) of Smithfield, VA, Mary Taylor (Ricky) of Smithfield, VA; her loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, great -great grandchildren; sister in -law Brenda "Bee" Ward; Brother In -Law Freeman Chambliss (JoAnn); God -Son Rodney Barnes; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and a special cousin, Mary Jean Brown and friend Cathy Brown and Kate Corbie.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held 12PM on Saturday May 25, 2019 at Christian Home Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday , May 24, 2019from 4-7 pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel.