Reverend Rosa M. Josephs

Named Rosilean Avery at birth, she was called Rosa M. Avery ever since her kindergarten teacher wrote her name down as Rosa M. Avery when she was six years old.

In her early childhood she lived between Mobile, Alabama with her mother and Selma, Alabama where she stayed with her aunt Louise (Sister) for the summer. She was put on the train to go to Selma starting at the age of six; Sister would always be there to greet her when she arrived.

She attended Dunbar Junior High and graduated from Cedar Grove Academy. She attended Bishop State College of South Alabama for 2 years and took several courses in Special Education and Child Development.

She was the Mother of 4 children: Ronnie Avery (McCaskey), deceased; Chris Greene, deceased; Ingrid Josephs who resides in Cordova, Tennessee; and Deborah Josephs who resides in Turkey where she teaches Law at Cag University.

She was married at the age of sixteen to Herbert McCaskey; they later divorced when she was 21 years old. At 24 she met and married her late husband Alton A. Josephs who was 17 years her senior and the father of her two daughters Ingrid and Deborah Josephs. She was married to him for 48 years.

She came to the Lord and received the Holy Ghost when she was 26 years old. At the age of 28 she was called to the ministry. Her first pastorate was in Clearwater, Florida, where she founded the Clearwater A.O.H Church of God.

She later moved to Memphis Tennessee with her husband Alton A. Josephs for the balance of his years and hers. A few years after moving to Memphis, she was appointed pastor over Evergreen A.O.H Church of God for a tenure of 12 years, after which she organized and established The Way of Truth and Life Apostolic Holiness Church, an outreach ministry she pastored for the last 27 years.

She is also survived by:

• 3 Loving Aunts: Louise Underwood (Sister), Dorothy Johnson, and Virginia Gant

• Loving Cousins: Fred Underwood, Wilbert Underwood, Gloria Burroughs, Barbara Paul, Shirley Arnold, Robert Gant, John P. Gant, Bernard Gant, and Jay Gant

• 2 Loving Granddaughters: Dominique Mackenzie and Tierrany Greene

• 3 Great Grandchildren: Jada Judkins, Caylan Judkins, and Ryan Mackenzie

• A Loving Godson William E. Cox, Jr (Lil' Earl) and 2 Loving God-sent Sons: Tony Williams and Chris Hearon

• A Host of Family and Friends

A visitation for Rosa will be held Friday, March 22, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A funeral service will occur Friday, March 22, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A graveside service will occur Friday, March 22, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:20 PM at External Service Location, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Memphis, TN 38125.

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Expressions of Two Daughters

Reflection In Memory of Our Beloved Mother

Reverend Rosa M. Josephs

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“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Strength and honour are her

clothing; and she rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue

is the law of kindness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed....” (Proverbs 31:10, 25, 26, 28)

We are filled with feelings that are very hard to express as we reflect on what an extraordinary blessing you were to us; the heritage you gave us—A Godly Heritage and a heritage of love.

You were a woman whose love of the Lord and love for her family (immediate and extended) were the most important things in her life. You were a true example of what “a Woman of God” means. We will always treasure the gifts you gave us:

~The Godly Heritage you took great care to pass on to us;

~The Godly Wisdom you shared;

~The constant prayers;

~The continuous support and encouragement;

~The Godly principles you instilled;

~The countless thoughtful, special little and big things you did as you gave unselfishly of yourself.

We are grateful that you faithfully taught us and raised us in the admonition of God (in our “rising up and sitting down”). Your life was a beautiful reflection of God's Love and a marvelous example of Faithful Godly Service; you honored God and served Him with all your heart and all your might, out of a pure heart.

We are grateful that God gave you to us and for the time He allowed us to have together.

- Ingrid and Deborah Josephs

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CHRISTIAN LIFE APOSTOLIC HOLINESS CHURCH

Ann H. Bell, Pastor

815 Bayridge Lane

Port Orange, FL 32127

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WHEREAS, on MARCH 9, 2024, PASTOR ROSA M. JOSEPHS, found it more pleasing to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord; and

WHEREAS, the Christian Life Apostolic Holiness Church wishes to convey to her daughters Ingrid and Deborah Josephs and the entire Josephs family, its heartfelt sympathy in this hour of bereavement and to assure them that we too, feel the loss keenly, because through the homegoing of PASTOR JOSEPHS, the Christian Life Church, has lost a faithful and well-loved pastor, whose service and dedication to ministry demonstrated her love for God and concern for the body of Christ; and

WHEREAS, PASTOR ROSA M. JOSEPHS had endeared herself to us by the many virtues which embodies her character. Being virtuous in all her ways, as well as honest and faithful in all of her duties, she devoted her life as an humble servant and willing vessel of Christ; and

WHEREAS, the Christian Life Apostolic Holiness Church, being desirous of paying a last tribute of respect to the memory of the first pastor and a founding member of the Clearwater Apostolic Overcoming Holiness Church, are anxious to give public assurance of the high esteem in which she was held by everyone who knew her; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that we bear our united testimony that PASTOR ROSA M. JOSEPHS preached the word, being instant in season and out of season; that she live a life exemplary of holiness; and that she made full proof of her ministry;

BE IT RESOLVED, that while we cherish in our minds the memory of our beloved sister, we will emulate her noble example, and like her, prepare in life, for that solemn change which awaits us all;

BE IT RESOLVED, that praise is due to God, for the many days on earth, PASTOR ROSA M. JOSEPHS, honored us with her faithfulness, dedication and untiring service in the upbuilding of God’s kingdom;

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Christian Life Apostolic Holiness Church, conveys to Ingrid, Deborah and the entire Josephs family, its deepest sympathy and prays that God will minister to you in such a way that your tears will be replaced by laughter and that your sorrow will turn into joy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution, be presented to the Josephs family and a second copy be retained in the archives of the Christian Life Apostolic Holiness Church that the memory of PASTOR ROSA M. JOSEPHS, be so honored.

Approved and adopted this 22nd day of March 2024.

Signed by: __________________________________________

Ann H. Bell, Pastor and Goddaughter

Christian Life Apostolic Holiness Church