Rosetta Brownlee

Rosetta Brownlee passed away peacefully on the morning of October 17, 2025, at the age of 81.She was surrounded by the love of her family at her bedside.

Rosetta is survived by her three adoring grandsons, Lenny, Skylar, and Jordan, as well as her beloved sister, Gloria Brownlee. All who knew her will forever remember her unconditional love,endless sacrifices, quick wit,effortless class and her unmistakable sweet tooth.She now joins her cherished daughter, Michelle, who pre-deceased her and saved her a special place by God’s side.

Born on May 18, 1944, in Leeds, Alabama, to Napoleon and Rosie Brownlee, Rosetta was one of six children. In the 1960s, she moved to Harlem with her daughter Michelle, where she built a life rooted in faith, education, and family. A highly educated woman, she earned her master’s degree from Columbia University and went on to serve as Chairperson of the New York City Board of Education until her retirement in 2015.

Rosetta was a beacon of light for anyone in need, and her love for children knew no bounds. A phrase that she lived by and instilled in her grandchildren was, “By the grace of God.” She believed that while privilege, circumstance, and luck could shape one’s path, every person deserves a chance in this life. She would stop at nothing to help anyone in need,especially a child.Rosetta was beloved by anyone who knew her. She was the personification of elegance,intelligence, and warmth.

Her smile and laughter would fill up a room. She also had an insatiable curiosity of the world. She traveled the world twice over and would come home with stories of her travels and gifts to go along with them. She was an orator of the highest order. She was never too busy to share a good story, life advice, or a history lesson. She filled the house with an endless amount of laughter and love that can never be replaced.Her family and friends were the center of her world. She gave everything she had to ensure that those who she loved were taken care of. There was nothing she wouldn’t do. Even as she faced herown health battles, she remained selfless, devoted and an example of strength.

As a grandmother,she was the very definition of love—steady, patient, and always ready to share a snack, whether it was a bowl of rainbow sherbet or a box of Nilla Wafers.

As a mother, the bond that she had with her daughter, Michelle, was truly special. They were two peas in a pod. Their love for one another was one of a kind. Whenever you saw one of them,the other was not too far behind. In life and ultimately in death. They adored and cherished each other with love so deeply that it transcends life itself. We can take solace in the fact that they are now together again. God truly called his angels home.

Rosetta was the backbone and matriarch of her family. Her presence will be missed every day, but her spirit will live on through the example she set of love, kindness, and unwavering commitment to those she held dear.

At Rosetta’s request, a private ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held with family and close friends in lieu of a formal service.