Our beloved mother, Rosie Dean Long, 77, of Mesa, Arizona, was called home to Heaven on April 5, 2024.
Rosie was born in Bessemer, Alabama on January 29, 1947, and at an early age, she discovered a gift of writing poetry. She graduated from Williamson High School in Mobile, Alabama. Job Core led her to Omaha, Nebraska where she began a career in nursing as a Licensed Vocational Nurse at the Veterans Administration Medical Center. She grew tired of the snow and made her way to sunny Los Angeles, California in 1977. Rosie was passionate about helping those in need, and she worked as a Licensed Vocational Nurse at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles for 15 years. She decided to go back to school to become a Registered Nurse at Pasadena City College and graduated with an AS in the Registered Nursing Program.
Rosie had an infectious laugh, a playful sense of humor (at your expense, of course), and a beautiful singing voice. She had an extensive collection of elephants, loved playing scrabble, and had a smile that could light up a room. Cooking was her love language, and yes, she could “throw down” in the kitchen! Rosie’s true passion was writing poetry, and her book of poetry was published in 2008 titled “I’m in love with Jesus, My Heart is in His Hands.”
Rosie dedicated her life to our Lord and Savior and was a mentor and prayer warrior. She would share her faith and her love of Christ with anyone, and anywhere. She cherished her wonderful church home at Oceanview Baptist church in San Pedro, California.
Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Mae and Edward Long, and grandmother, Gracie Williams (lovingly known as “Mama Grace”). Our family has comfort in knowing that she is surrounded by loved ones in Heaven rejoicing in her arrival and welcoming her with open arms alongside our Heavenly Father.
Rosie is loved and cherished by her daughter, Brigette Long-Rhodes (son-in-love, Andre Rhodes); son, Mandel (Manny) Long Belgrave; grandson, Matthew Belgrave; granddaughter, Kayla Belgrave; great-grandson, Khalil Belgrave, sister, Linda Long; sister, Grace Long; and many more loving cousins, extended family and friends.
Words cannot express how dearly our Rosie will be missed. May we hold the memories of her beautiful spirit in our hearts always.
Our family would like to extend a gracious thank you and appreciation to all of you for your thoughtfulness, support, love, and an abundance of prayers.
A Celebration of Life in honor of our beloved Rosie will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Compassion Church 919 E Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234. Please join us for a repast luncheon to follow. Location-TBD.