Mother Rosa Lee Parson

Rosa Lee Jasper Parson was born on October 20, 1915, to the union of the late Charlie and Millie Finkley Jasper in Bushnell, Florida. She received her formal education in the Sumter County Public School System in Bushnell. Rosa, affectionately recognized as Mother Parson at United Church of God in Christ (Bushnell, FL) accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior as a teenager. Throughout her life, she exhibited a profound love for Christ, which she expressed through her remarkable generosity and selflessness. She truly embodied the spirit of Matthew 25, where Jesus calls us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome strangers into our homes, visit the sick, and visit those in prison. Whether through acts of kindness, sharing words of encouragement, or providing support to those in distress, she exemplified what it means to live out Christ’s message and principles. Sister Rosa Lee was not just a matriarch in her family; she was also an inspiration to countless individuals in her community, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations. Rosa was united in holy matrimony with Ulysee Parson on February 1, 1936, in Bushnell, Florida. Their union was blessed with ten children. They celebrated a wonderful 72 years of marriage in 2008. Rosa departed this life on September 20, 2025. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Ulysee; her eldest son, Howard Parson, Sr. (Willie Delores, deceased); grand- daughters, Lynda Law Mauge and April Rose Parson; great- granddaughters, Krista Loman and Tamara Loman; great- grandson, Christopher Cossom; great-great-grand- daughter, Raniyah Gandy; and four sisters and two brothers. She leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy 9 surviving children: Herman Parson, Sr (Bernice, deceased); Vernita Edwards (Clyde, deceased); Bernadine Law (Leon Sr., deceased); Clynell Booker (DeWayne); Cynthia Cummings; Alywin Parson (Beverly); Wayne Parson; Brenda Brooks (Howard); Martie Parson (Cara). She is also survived by 28 grandchildren, Howard Parson, Jr.; Eric Parson; Jay Swift; Karen Parson; Herman Parson, Jr.; Rhonda Edwards; Stephanie Edwards-Washington; Sharon Edwards; Leon Law, Jr.; Traci Blue; Erika Booker; DeWayne Booker II; Shawn Loman; Michelle Loman; Robyn Jennings; Curtis Brown; Alvina Parson; Bryan Parson; Charles Parson; Yolanda Brown; Wayne Parson Jr.; Kim Quarles; Christina Brooks; Patrick Brooks; Shekina Dilworth; Cameron Parson; Miles Parson; 47 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren. Rosa is also survived by her brother Curtis Jasper, and her sister-in- law Elnora Parson. In addition, she leaves behind special family friends and beloved neighbors Kido and Gloria Sanders, her goddaughter Darlene Dorsey, and beloved family friend Helen R. Zanders, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Tributes

Mother Rosa Lee Parson

October 20, 1915 - September 20, 2025