“May the works I’ve done, speak for me….”

Heaven has to wait no longer for one of its angels. Her life on Earth has ended; her spirit has ascended to God. Rosa Mae Sykes Jones quietly went from labor to reward on

July 11, 2010. Rosa was the youngest child of Sam and Addie Sykes. She was born

October 28, 1932 and was raised in Southampton County, Virginia, where she attended the Southampton County Public Schools. She continued her education at A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. While matriculating at A&T State University, she met the man who would later become her husband, Dallas “Sonny” Jones.

Rosa was a teacher at Sandhill Elementary School, Drewryville Elementary School, and Capron Elementary School. She retired from a career that she passionately loved in 1989. Knowing the importance of education, Rosa began an adult education class at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Rosa was a very compassionate person, which was evident in the work she did with the R.E. Pearson and Son Funeral Service.

Rosa was raised in a Christian home by parents who studied the Word and who strongly believed in the power of God and His greatness and goodness. The foundation instilled in her, as a child, continued in her adult life through her membership at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Rosa was more than a member of the church. She served diligently as a member of the Deaconess Ministry, the Missionary Ministry, and church choir, and as a Sunday School and Bible Study teacher, and as the church’s treasurer. Her walk with God continued when she, later, joined Pleasant Plain Baptist Church. There, she was a member of Greater Shiloh Gospel Choir and served with the Greenville Southampton County Choral Workshop from 1975-1994.

Rosa married Dallas “Sonny” Jones on June 13, 1953. They were blessed with two sons, Glenwood and Dallas O’Neal Jones. With her husband Sonny’s membership in the Southeastern Public Service Authority of Virginia Board and the Board of Supervisors of Southampton County, it gave her the opportunity to travel, extensively.

Rosa was a lover of life. She loved her family; she loved people; and, she loved doing for others. Rosa’s generosity, kindness, patience and sense of humor were beacons to so many people, as she walked her journey through life. Her love for life was evident in her membership in the Franklin Tri-County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she was a charter member. During her membership, she served as chaplain. Rosa was also a charter member of Whatnot Social Club.

Her family and friends will have great memories and will be able to reflect on a woman who loved her Lord and Savior with all her heart. We, who are left behind, will cherish the time she was allowed to stay with us.