Rose C. Newsome Hale

Rose, Rosie or Mama Rose’s magic was the ability to reach people through music. Throughout her life she honed, nurtured and used this talent to speak too and move, not only, the many, but also, the one. She could get crowds excited for the MLK day challenge in Arizona or quiet a crying child with her music – whether on the radio, on 1000’s of albums or playing on the piano – this was her thing and she was known for it. There is an artist whose name is MIMS – which stands for Music Is My Savior – well I submit that my mom was the original MIMS and that was her gift to the world – the ability to be saved through Music.

Rosie, as far as anyone can remember worked tirelessly on the behalf of others – using the gift of music from the turntable to the orchestra along with the ability to play the Piano. With that passion she helped to strengthen the Social Security Administration and the City of Phoenix – even winning the petition to re-establish Martin Luther King Day as a holiday in Arizona. In her early days she travelled the world with her mother, father and brother – sharing her passion everywhere she went. She lived life to the fullest and helped others to do so – always ready for a road trip, always ready to forgive, always ready to lend a hand, always ready to offer advice – even if not asked, always ready to take or make a phone call or have a conversation. She was a beloved wife, mother, (s)hero, champion and friend.

She was devoted to her husband, Fred, and the two of them had energy to spare – at times that energy was spent on each other and lead to an even deeper admiration, love and support for each other. When she sent that energy outward, it shone like a bight shining light and led the way for her children, her grandchildren, her friends, her colleagues and everyone who was in the view of her light and even some who only knew of her.

Rosie’s life was a testimony to Matthew 8:21-22 “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”. She always taught to love and forgive, first – she lived and loved a life of non-violence, passion and understanding and sought to improve that in others. She was Rose and not just in name only.

In keeping with her seeing music as a savior – she used it to teach, comfort, convert, sooth and support, not only her soul and objectives, but also that of others. She had and loved every form of music from Classical to R&B and Country, collected pianos – those to be played and those to be looked at, and always had joy in her heart. She truly believed as the Bible says… in Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

So I won’t tarry long – but they say a minister has to have a sermon ready – Let me share what I think the Lord was telling us with Rosie’s life…

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

So as you leave from here and reflect – think of your life as a song – what have message have you been singing, what lessons have you taught, where has your light so shined – as you do so close your eyes, think of Mama Rose and walk forward on faith.

She went home on August 13, 2020 and leaves to celebrate her are her husband Fred A. Hale, brother Herbert F. Smith, sons Earl Newsome & Marcus Newsome, granddaughters Misha, Alexandria, Zoe, and Destiny grandsons Christopher, Ronterious, Earl, Devon, and Denzell and many other relatives and Friends.

Let me leave my family & friends with this one last message for the day…

My mom who lived a life full of music, joy and testimony proved that there is a message in the music… And to everyone who knew Mama Rose – whoud agree this song was for her.

The Songwriter of “A Song for Mama” wrote

You taught me everything

Everything you've given me

I'll always keep it inside

You're the driving force in my life, yeah

There isn't anything

Or anyone that I could be

And it just wouldn't feel right

If I didn't have you by my side

You were there for me to love and care for me

When skies were gray

Whenever I was down

You were always there to comfort me

And no one else can be

What you have been to me you will always be

You will always be the girl

In my life for all times

Mama, Mama you know I love you

Mama, Mama you're the queen of my heart

Your love is like tears from the stars, yes it is

Mama I just want you to know lovin' you is like food to my soul

You're always there for me

Have always been around for me even when I was bad

You showed me right from my wrong

Yes you did

And you took up for me

When everyone was downin' me

You always did understand

You gave me strength to go on

There were so many times

Looking back when I was so afraid

And then you'd come to me and say to me

I can face anything

And no one else can do

What you have done for me

You'll always be, you will always be

The girl in my life, ooh oh

Mama, Mama you know I love you

Never gonna go a day without you

Fills me up just thinkin' about you

I'll never go a day without my mama

Mama, Mama you know I love you

You are the food to my soul, yes you are

------ Let us all say Amen ------