Rosa M. Smith was born on June 22, 1932. Rosa was the oldest of 12 children born to the late Kennie and Mary Underwood.

After graduation from Barnesville Industrial High School in 1953, she married the late Robert Smith and moved to Cleveland, Ohio. Her employment history began when she started working for Montefiore Nursing Home on Mayfield Road. During that time, she attended Tri-C in order to obtain certification to assist with the care of patients. She enjoyed caring for patients, but left that field in order to be closer to home. Since Rosa enjoyed sewing and crocheting, she found a position with Buckeye Garments on Buckeye Road where she held the position of Monogramist until her retirement.

Rosa joined the church at an early age and remained active in the church for the duration of her life. She was a dedicated member of Memorial Missionary Baptist Church. She coordinated various programs for the church, was on the Trustee Board, and was a member of the Nurse’s Guild for many years. She was also in charge of the church building fund for many years. Through creative fundraising strategies, she raised a substantial amount of money for Memorial Missionary Baptist Church.

Rosa traveled all over the United States from New York to Arizona, from the Caribbean up the Eastern Seaboard. She also enjoyed traveling to different cities that held the Fletcher Family Reunions.

Even though Rosa’s primary focus was taking care of home and family, she was able to find time to be active in her community. She was president of her street club and an active member of the Ward Club under the leadership of former Councilman Earl B. Turner. She coordinated dinners, banquets, and food drives. She also coordinated community events during campaign season and worked the polls during elections for many years.

In 1985, Rosa received the “Governors Special Recognition Award” from Governor Celeste for the continuous involvement in her community. She did all this while helping family, helping neighbors, cooking, cleaning, and keeping up with her children, grandchildren, and great grand. We will miss our mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend. We all love her, but God loves her best.

Three brothers