Rose Edna Huntley

Rose Edna (Lee) Huntley, a devoted Psalmist and servant of the Lord, entered into eternal rest at the age of 70. Born on August 28, 1955, as the only daughter and seventh child, to the late Thaddeus J. and Dorothy M. (Smith) Lee, Sr., she lived a life of gentle strength, unwavering faith, and compassionate service.

Educated in New Orleans Public Schools, she accepted her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, during her early years at Bethel A.M.E. Church, New Orleans, LA, where she offered her talents and used her gift of song unto the Lord, singing in the church youth choirs and later in the young adult Gospel Movement Choir.

After graduating from Carver Sr. High School, Rose earned her Associate’s in Secretarial Office Management from Meadows Draughn College. She devoted her professional life to public service, working in the education sector, where her kindness and meticulous care uplifted colleagues and students alike.

She was united in holy matrimony to the late Rev. Robert Huntley, Sr. Together, they raised five children, nurturing them according to Deuteronomy 6:6-7 in the word, faith, and song. Guided by that assurance, Rose poured out her gifts serving as First Lady and choir director at Rising Star, St. Stephen, St. John, Rocky Hill, Veneable Chapel A.M.E. Churches.

In 2005, after losing her husband, Rose began the final chapter of her life and relocated to Houston, Texas, after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. There, she persevered and remained steadfast in her faith and in her works for the Lord, as in Psalm 92:4-5, declaring joy and rejoicing in God’s works, having the opportunity to serve at Wesley A.M.E Church, Palace of Praise, and finally solidifying her membership with Loving Word Fellowship, where actively participated in the women’s chorus. She was also passionate about intercession in prayer and ministering to those in need of shelter. Her legacy continues through nine cherished grandchildren and one great-grandchild, each a living testament to her love.

God called his songbird home on October 24th 2025. Rose was preceded in death by three brothers: Falcon Lee, Malcolm Lee, Sr., and Rev. Herman Lee.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Quinn Huntley (Bridgette), Kanika (Huntley) Simmons, Derrick Huntley (Christina), Ivy (Huntley) Curtis (Willie), and Theophilus Huntley; grandchildren: Michael Huntley, Marcus Huntley, Jordan Simmons, Jasmine Simmons, Brianna Huntley, Andrew Huntley, Gabrielle Johnson, Robert Huntley, and Willow Curtis; and one great-grandchild: Isabella Huntley. She also leaves to mourn her siblings: Nathaniel Lee (Enola), Leonard Lee (Shon), Gerald Lee (Clara), and Thaddeus Lee, Jr. (Lenita); sister-in-laws, Geraldine Lee, Brenda Wilson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.