You were the beautiful melody in the rhythm of our life. The music of your life lives on.
Obituary
Rose Marie Pottinger Williams took her last breath on the dawn of June 28, 2024, under the watchful eyes of her best friend, Roy Williams (Jr), her tall, dark, and handsome ‘bestie’ of 53 years. She lived a fulsome life of love and laughter, depositing her brilliance, flowery rose petals, and droplets of kindness on those who encountered her graciousness and grace for a shade less than 69 years.
Born on August 16, 1955, in Coker, Siloah, Rose enjoyed the typical childhood of a country girl: donkey rides, farming escapades, playing hopscotch, jacks, and Chinese skipping with her siblings and age mates. This beautiful soul emerged as a brilliant Jamaican woman with scholarly inclinations. She honed her writing and poetry skills with finesse through formal education at St Gabriel’s Academy in Balaclava, St Elizabeth. She later laid the foundation for an illustrious career of over 43 years in education at the Bethlehem Teacher’s College.
This astute, beloved wife, mother, and cherished member of her community, school, and church family later refined her skills by pursuing her passion for service in obtaining formal certification at the Northern Caribbean University, where she delved into Guidance and Counselling. After that, she continued to serve the nation in her little neck of the woods at the ‘Prep School’, primary school, the Glen Stuart Primary, where ‘Labour Conquers All’ until she retired on the 6th of March 2016.
Ms. Rose loved her students, and her students loved their teacher. They celebrate the fond memories of the calm tone of reprimand that was worse than the stripes on the Headmaster’s cane. In contrast, if you were among the very outlandish students disregarding the rules of the hallowed halls, you may have heard in elevated tones, “You girl!” or “You boy!” followed by a penetrating whisper, “Come to me.”
She touched many lives with generosity, warmth, and a magnanimous spirit. She was an active and much-loved member of the Church of God 7th Day in Williamsfield, always ready to lend a hand or offer a kind word to her community. Her community involvement and faith were cornerstones of her life. Rose loved to sing and was blessed with an angelic voice that was used to honour God and encourage humanity. She often quipped that her voice became a casualty of her chosen vocation as the ‘chalk dust’ wrecked her soprano forcing her to draw for alto. Oh, how we loved to hear her sing!
Rose’s legacy is love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her God. She is survived by her devoted husband, Roy Williams (Jnr), and their four children, Debbie-Ann, Jodine, Witton, and Rickroy, who she adored with all her heart. She is also survived by her son-in-law and daughters-in-law, five acclaimed children, five brothers, six sisters, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, as well as her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, church and school families, and a host of other relatives, friends, and loved ones.
You are invited to pay your respects and celebrate the life of this amazing icon, ‘Our Rose,’ on August 4, 2024, at the Church of God 7th Day in Williamsfield, Siloah, Saint Elizabeth. The Celebration of Life is designed to funeralize her and share memories in her honour. Rose Marie Williams will be dearly missed, but her spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her and were touched by her infectious spirit.
Career
Sentiments of the Heart
My (Rochelle) personal best memory shared with Rose and Pansy was the time my husband and I spent in Jamaica with them. My next best memory was when my Mother-in-Law, Marie Ming, hosted a ladies get together one Bermuda-ful Sunday afternoon. There was about ten ladies from the Hamilton Adventist Church. Rose had never met any of the ladies before except for my mother-in-law and myself. However, because we were all Sisters in Christ it was as if we had known each other a long time having the same goal, to be a follower of Christ.
The day went like this
- prayers for our families
- real heart felt testimonies
- singing hymns, the ones that carry you through the Mountains and the Valleys of life
- and light refreshments
What a great spirit-filled time we had! Rose expressed that she was really happy she accepted the invitation she said that it was a blessing and she felt the love of Jesus.
No one else can feel your sorrow,
but knowing others care and share in your loss
may help bring you some comfort
during this difficult time.
Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Our deepest sympathy for a life well lived.
from Witton, Ardeen and Schuyler’s Bermuda Family
Derek & Rochelle, Jamelle(Lisa), Damon, Dion, Nyla and Zhaviz Ming
Missionary Rose Williams was a phenomenal woman whose grace and kindness left a lasting impression. When I first started attending this church, there were four standout mothers, including her. Though their presence was intimidating, getting to know them, especially her, revealed their warm hearts. Her welcoming smile brightened the lives of those she met, and she never showed any sign of personal troubles.
I can remember, there was a time we went to a Youth Retreat. Latanya, her granddaughter, Indiana, her relative, and I shared a room. Up to this day, we wonder who could have made that decision. We were three troubled picknies, often late, always arguing, and giving reasons for everything. When Missionary called us and talked to us, Latanya would still rebel, but Indiana and I would laugh it off and get back to normal. Missionary had a way of speaking that left you no choice but to listen and want to do what she said immediately.
As time progressed and I became a part of the leadership team for the church's youth group, we realized she was very supportive and encouraging helping to , foster our growth and development. She would be present at all our youth activities. Her soft-spoken words of kindness earned her immense respect, and even when correcting us, she inspired reflection and change. Whenever Missionary Williams called out, "Come here, mi pickney," it made me wonder, "What did I do now?" because she didn't nag about anything.
Subsequently, I have attended quite a few Ladies conventions where she was asked to deliver the message. I was always inspired by the way she executed her words; in my mind, this was a gift from God directly. Her words were solid, on point, and powerful. As a young person, it is something I wanted to model—to declare the words of the Lord with that same zeal and boldness, making a difference not just for myself but also for those whom the Lord has entrusted me to share His words with.
I recall our trip to St. Croix in 2015, where Missionary Williams's flight back to Jamaica was scheduled earlier than ours. Aunty Jean and I traveled a long way through Miami International Airport with her luggage, maybe 100 miles (exaggeration). Upon reaching the lobby, we discovered her flight had moved to a different location and we made it just in time for her boarding. That was our final church activity together.
Roses symbolize beauty, and Missionary Williams was like a rose in our lives, bringing peace and radiance. Rest in peace as you await the Master's return.
Sis. Williams truly epitomizes who a true child of God should be.
I therefore implore family members to cry if you must. However, weep not as those who have no hope, because I believe that on that great getting up morning, if we remain faithful, we will see our sister and friend again.
I know you love the lord and believe in him and he loves you too,I have seen we’re he has used you in so many many ways
Take your rest missionary , it won’t be long
Any day now ❤️
Mrs. Rose Williams.
Although I did not meet you in person but the many words that have been spoken and shared concerning you, left me to believe that you were an epitome of what it means to be a great woman of God,wife, mother and friend.
However, I am privileged to know your two lovely daughters; Debbie- Ann and Jodine of whom we've made great connections with each other.
The Pslamist David says; "Precious in the sight of the lord is the death of his saints". Death is inevitable and so the passing of such a beautiful soul Mrs.Rose has saddened the hearts of many.
Nevertheless,it is with deep sadness that my husband pastor Jeffrey Hippolyte and myself from Mount Zion Church of God 7th Day, Toronto Canada say, may her soul rest in perfect peace.
First you were just my teacher (a real disciplinarian),then you were the mother of my friend, the friend of my family and a sister in Christ.
We knew there had to be a deeper connection and there definitely was. We discovered that we were very close cousins.
Auntie Rose my memories of you would fill thousands of pages over and over but I sum it up in a few words .
Phenomenal woman, one of intergrity and style. Beautiful, powerful and a true confidant. Never failing to tell you the true but loving you none the less.
Thank you for gracing our lives and heart.
Loving you always. (Chris, Joeth, Daunte’ and Vernice )
I taught her four children in primary school, and as a teacher and parent, Rose gave me full reign to do what was in the best interest of her children. Four of our children were age mates, so they spent not just school and church hours together but also time together in our homes.
Suffice it to say that you don't spend six days a week with someone for the better part of your life and not get to know them very well. My church sister Rose, also my cousin and colleague, was honest and forthright. As a Christian, she never feared death and spoke about it in glowing terms as she was on a constant quest to please her Lord and Saviour. We were ordained church missionaries, so to fulfill our passion for service and our mandate, we walked together, visited the sick and shut-in, and attended meetings and church events. She was a stickler for details and was very good at planning events. This she did both at school and church.
The last few years have been challenging as I continued some of the suites we shared without her support and input. I will miss Rose for so many reasons. The half is yet to be told. Though death has a finality to it, I have a genuine hope that my sister and friend will rise to be with the Lord always.
As a little girl, my sister was a girl guide. I would often eat out her Girl Guide cookies when she was asleep. When I ate her cookies, she would beat me, but that didn't stop me from eating them out because mama would pay for them.
My sister grew up to be a very nice woman. Even though sometimes she was miserable, I loved her dearly. I am happy she took the time to guide me even though sometimes I did not listen. I will miss my big sister Rose!
I recall her focus and brilliance, which illuminated our classrooms, inspiring all who had the privilege to know her. She carried herself with a deep sense of pride and respect, earning the admiration and respect of peers and mentors alike. Her scholarship set a high standard, pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks of excellence.
I remember her not only for her academic achievements but for the kindness and warmth she brought to our community in the Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences at Northern Caribbean University, where I served as her Chair and lecturer, and where she also lectured for a brief period. Her legacy will forever remain a source of inspiration and love in our hearts.
Our relationship extended beyond the classroom and continued into my adult life, as she served as a liaison between myself and the students she so fervently supported. Her dedication never waned; it was as if these children were her own. She was relentless in her mission, never taking no for an answer and always following up with updates on their progress. This tenacity and her quiet demeanor made her a unique and powerful force. Though gentle in speech, she was a firm disciplinarian and an unyielding advocate for her students, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew her.
Mrs. Williams was approachable, relatable, and, as many of us learned, incredibly reliable. The lessons she imparted extended far beyond the classroom. She ignited a passion within us to help others, a fire that continues to burn brightly. Her influence has added profound meaning to our lives, shaping us into the individuals we are today. As we reflect on her life, we remember her as a teacher, guide, and friend. Her labor conquered all, leaving an enduring legacy that lives on in each of us. She has touched our lives in ways words cannot fully capture, and her spirit will continue to inspire and motivate us.
She will be deeply missed, but her influence will forever be felt. I am particularly thankful for the lessons, the love, and the light she brought into our lives. Her legacy will continue to shape the world through us. With most profound respect and heartfelt gratitude.
Our relationship extended beyond the classroom and continued into my adult life, as she served as a liaison between myself and the students she so fervently supported. Her dedication never waned; it was as if these children were her own. She was relentless in her mission, never taking no for an answer and always following up with updates on their progress. This tenacity and her quiet demeanor made her a unique and powerful force. Though gentle in speech, she was a firm disciplinarian and an unyielding advocate for her students, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew her.
Mrs. Williams was approachable, relatable, and, as many of us learned, incredibly reliable. The lessons she imparted extended far beyond the classroom. She ignited a passion within us to help others, a fire that continues to burn brightly. Her influence has added profound meaning to our lives, shaping us into the individuals we are today. As we reflect on her life, we remember her as a teacher, guide, and friend. Her labor conquered all, leaving an enduring legacy that lives on in each of us. She has touched our lives in ways words cannot fully capture, and her spirit will continue to inspire and motivate us.
She will be deeply missed, but her influence will forever be felt. I am particularly thankful for the lessons, the love, and the light she brought into our lives. Her legacy will continue to shape the world through us. With most profound respect and heartfelt gratitude.
But the time has come when the One who loves her best has called her to come home where she will eventually be forever blooming. In that land where the Rose will never fade and will forever be with our Lord.
The Church in London where she worshipped when she visited with me sends their condolences to the family of sister Rose🌹. She was indeed a Lady of God 🙏
When the name Rose Williams is mentioned, images of the virtuous woman that the sagacious man Solomon spoke of in Proverbs 31 are conjured in the mind because her name is synonymous with descriptive terminologies such as loving, meek, compassionate, godly, industrious, wonderful, praise-worthy and magnanimous.
Mrs. Williams was a trendsetting and inspirational teacher who positively impacted the life of every student who walked the Hallowed Halls of the Renown Glen Stuart Primary School and had the privilege of being her pupil. Those of us who have been beneficiaries of her sagacity, magnanimity, and godly nature can attest to the fact that she epitomized the nobility of the teaching profession: service through excellence.
Mrs. Williams was ahead of her time in pedagogy, she understood the impact that the learning environment and teaching style had on her students, so rather that adhering to any one of the traditional teaching styles, she modeled the Hybrid, or blended format which follows an integrated approach to teaching, that blended her personality and interests with her students’ needs and curriculum-appropriate methods. That proved to be a master stroke as it made her an effective Teacher. As students we loved her classes, because they were not boring, for interspersed among the Mathematics, English etc. were poetry, arts and folklore. To this day I recall many of the poems she taught, two of my favorites being: The ABC by Spike Milligan and The Snare by James Stephen.
In an Era when teachers were feared because of the methods that were used to discipline errant students, her warm demeanor endeared her to us. She commanded respect not by fear, but with love. I can’t remember her spanking a student.
Having analyzed the life of Mrs. Rose Williams I’ve concluded without fear of being contradicted that hers was a life lived to the honor and glory of God. She gave her all in the classroom, educating the next generation of teachers, doctors, scientists, etc. I’m of the opinion that she lived by the Maxim found in the
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life.
Earthly monarchs may not have known the name Rose Williams; however, she was known by the many students whose lives she touched and transformed, her colleagues who respected her, and her God, the King of Kings who has written her name in the Book of Life.
Mrs. Williams has “Fought the good fight; she has kept the faith.” Therefore, a crown of life is awaiting her.
She was grounded and not easily ruffled. The evidence of such would be clear as my visits to her classroom left me in awe. Her students were always quiet and always studious, which every parent and teacher should know is difficult to attain.
To know her was a privilege, and to lose her is a great pain. I’m sure we will all miss her presence, but I hope to embody that level of calm she always helped me feel. The memories of Rose Williams will always be etched in my heart.
“If you call her name tomorrow, and she can’t answer your call, her work on earth is finished and her mansion now awaits, it’s another child of Good gone home.”
I can vividly remember when she became ill and her footsteps became shorter and slower; it pained my heart to see her trying so hard to keep up but yet she never gave up. I can remember while living at Debbie's, she visited the house and in the middle of the night she came in my room saying that she wasn't able to sleep, she then joined me in bed and after a few minutes she said she was going back to her room and asked me to accompany her, that night we shared many mishaps and we both were able to talk and laugh at ourselves way in the wee hours of the morning.
Auntie Rosie will be missed but not forgotten.
She was proud of me and would take me to school with her when I visited. She let me play with little plastic bricks and would give me tours around the school. She would be listening to me talk to the teachers and the principal of the school. I remember slipping out of her hands and I walked up to the principal and said, “you know I like crocodiles?” He and I had a whole conversation about crocodiles while Grandma Rose just listened and smiled.
Even when she was sick, I could still count on her listening and smiling. I know I always had a special place in her heart. It didn’t matter what type of day she was having or even when she stopped speaking, I would always get a reaction from her. I will miss my hugs and kisses from my Grandma Rose.
R - ed roses that signifies love and you are
O - bedient, a quality a Christian must possess.
S - incerity is a trait that you have that’s liked by most and you
E - ndeavour to keep unity everywhere you go
You are
W - illing to do the right whether temporally or spiritually and you are
I - ntellectually inclined - a gift from God.
L - ove you share with everyone,
L - iving for Christ is your joy and
I - nspired by Him, you are. You have the
A - bility to consel which you exercise whenever you can.
M - othering your four children and others is something you enjoy although we give you many headaches. Also,
S - weet joy is found when we are around you though at times you’re so miserable.
LOVE ALWAYS!!
... Mother's Day will never be the same ....
Our times together were precious.
The memory I have of her is one that will never fade.
Though we never had much time together as kids, I have a vivid memory of your helpfulness, obedience and mannerism.
I remember my sister going to bush with our mother and stepfather to feed pigs and pick mangoes which we all enjoyed. Growing up as the only girl child in the yard, taking care of the home came natural to her. On the days that we boys went to bush while she was left behind, we could always look forward to a clean and tidy home upon return.
I am absolutely proud of the woman my sister became as she led an inspirational life. She was a woman of strong faith, a peacemaker, a devoted wife and a dedicated mother. She had a love for nurturing young minds. This love led to her career as a teacher, one in which she made great strides and elevated to the post of vice principal.
Though she has departed from us, her memory will remain a treasure and she will be missed beyond measure. I hope we will dance together in the kingdom, my darling sister Rose.
O riginal
S upportive, stalwart
E nigmatic
A popular and beautiful flower in life’s garden with rare qualities, most of which will never be surpassed. She elevated the standard of the virtuous woman and created opulence in the atmosphere wherever she ventured. A testament to one’s journey through this life is the impact they have on the lives they touch. Our brother and beautiful nieces and nephews have experienced Rose’s grace in the closest and most intimate of ways. They now provide us with glimpses of her beautiful soul through their reflections.
Her incredible fragrance and legacy live on Sweet Rose.
Ms. Rose was not a monster-in-law. When her son and I got married, we gifted our parents with a poem we wrote, telling them that they each gained a son or a daughter. The relationship Ms. Rose and I had was just that. I became her daughter and she, my mother. But honestly, that was a status I had to gain long before the wedding day. In fact, Ro and I often joked about how she escaped Ms. Rose‘s little tests. I got the brunt of it. I remember when I was invited to stay with the family one weekend, she asked me to make dinner. In my mind, this was a simple thing, I could cook. But she had tricks up her sleeve. Little did I know that she was trying to see if her son would starve. She laid out the items I were to cook for dinner: rice and peas, and cow foot! Cow foot? I have never cooked cow anything in all my life much less cow foot! And the worst part of it was that her son was a vegan! She wouldn’t even ask me to cook something simple like chicken! It was Sunday dinner after all! But cow foot? No sah!
We had a fantastic time in the kitchen together and over the years, she’s taught me many dishes, including her famous pressed plantain for breakfast. By the way, I passed the test, the cow foot turned out fantastic!
She trusted me to handle her kitchen whenever I visited the family home. When she became vegan, I would prepare months worth of vegan food to last until my next trip. During those moments of absence and especially during her illness, we began our Sunday morning talks. 8:30 every Sunday morning was our time. We would have a little worship session and catch up on life. If she hadn’t spoken to anyone during the week, I would always get a response from her when called. Of course, when I was late, she would scold me and if you knew Ms. Rose, you know that her hand was light. She would box mi even over the phone if I came to her with foolishness!
Ms. Rose had a good command of the English language and promoted its use. But she expected us to also have fluency in our Jamaican language. We would often have conversation about my inability to speak patois. But one night we were traveling from Montego Bay and a truck almost ran us off the road. I exclaimed in the most colorful patois and told off the truck driver. Ms. Rose swung her head so fast to see which stranger was in the car. She said “Deenie, a you dat? You could talk patois like that?” The entire vehicle erupted in laughter. It was her first time hearing me speak something other than standard English and it was shocking! Much to her appreciation, I developed a good command of our patois and I used it more often than before.
Ms. Rose loved kisses. We ended all of our conversations with a kiss and I love you. She’s been my mother for the past 20 years, and our relationship was rooted in mutual respect, love and admiration. The conversations, moments of laughter and tears, her words of wisdom and tips on motherhood are forever in my heart. Now, Sunday mornings at 8:30 will never be the same.
It was May 2006, after losing my grandmother, when i thought all was lost then came my aunty Rose, welcoming me with opening arms. I remember my aunt as a woman who would set things straight when they were not going according to how it should be. She was a woman who loved to pray and study the word of God. Aunty Rose was a no-nonsense person. I remember growing up in Spring when my aunty would come from work to visit her mother, I would run to meet her and take her bags from her and instantly she would turn to me and ask me if I had any homework or books to read. It was at that point I knew she was not the one to play with.
I remember living with my aunt, Church was a must to go on sabbath morning and she didn't like to be late. Two of her favorite songs were I See a Bridge and Under His Wings I am Safely Abiding. It was my pleasure to listen to her singing. Not to mention when she stood up to preach the word of God. When it came to summer time, my aunt would ensure that she planned a family trip before heading back to school. I always looked forward to it. When my aunt took sick in June 2019, she was not able to do things on her own anymore that is when I stepped in as her niece to assist in taking care of her. It was not easy, but I still did what I had to do for my aunt. I was the niece who would put off what I had to do just to be there to take care of my aunt and ensure she is well. Even on her sick bed she would ask me to get her dressed for church and I had to smile because I knew she is not able to make it. I will miss my aunt and the good values she taught me about life. If it was not for her teaching and guidance, I wouldn't be the young lady I am today. Her prayers are what are keeping me till this very day. The last day I saw my T Rose was May 4, 2024. I was hoping to come back to see my aunt, but God had another plan to take her away from us on June 28, 2024. It is a day I will never forget.
I will see you soon my aunty Rose
Chrissydee, Niece
O- original
S- sagacious
E- elegant
A God-fearing woman of excellent deportment and poise.
Death, one day I am going to laugh at you
Go right ahead and wreak havoc in our lives
Enjoy your heyday, your days of glory
But, one day I am going to laugh at you
Death, one day you will lose your sting
You will sit and wonder what happened
You will reminisce on the many you caused hurt
But, one day you are going to lose your sting
Death, one day you will have no power
You will not have the might to render another to the grave
You will be a mere shadow of yesterday
For, one day you will have no power
Death, one day I will stare you in the face without fear
You will no longer be able to hurt me
You will have to surrender soon and very soon
Yes, one day I will stare you in the face without fear
Death, you are such an unwelcome foe
You know no one will willingly accept you
So like a snake you pounce on us without warning
You are such an unwelcome foe
Death, your 'Waterloo' is coming
Yoshua has the key to lock you down
He will step on your head and render you dead
Death your 'waterloo' is coming
Death, there is victory for the Believer
Kill me now but I will live again
I will be in a place where you cannot enter
Yes, there is victory for the believer! Hallelujah!
Death, listen carefully
Soon you will hear, "oh death, where is thy sting?"
You won't even know the answer to, "oh grave, where is thy victory?"
Death, listen carefully
Death, one day I am going to laugh at you for you will lose your sting
Death, one day you will have no power
Death, your 'Waterloo' is coming
Death, there is victory for the Believer!
Debbie
August 2, 2016
Some things are dying
But not forgotten
They do linger in each victim’s mind
Is there any hope to retrieve them?
Just the thought of losing them
Rakes my mind
Troubles my brain
And breaks my heart
Bringing them back would be such a treat
The social GRACES
That once add
Spices to life
Peace to storm
And ease to pain
Are they really dying?
“PLEASE”
“EXCUSE ME”
“THANK YOU”
“MAY I”
or
“I’M SORRY”
Are we really, really, losing these?
April 25, 1996
Rose M. Pottinger Williams (Don't Let Them Die!)
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Service Details
Please join us as we celebrate her life and funeralize her with memorial tributes of honour.