Rosa Rawls

Rosa (Goodwin) Rawls was born on June 14, 1944 in Selma, Alabama to Willie Jane Goodwin and David Blocton, both of whom preceded her in death. Born prematurely, she was a miracle baby and the third child of Willie Jane Goodwin and David Blocton. Rosa was named after her aunt and although she did not have a middle name her immediate family lovingly called her “June”.

Rosa had twelve siblings but grew up with her brothers Arthur and Lee, both of whom preceded her in death.

Rosa and her mother relocated to Detroit when she was a small child so she never had any memories of living in Selma.

She was raised in the original New Grace Missionary Baptist Church where she accepted Christ at an early age. Rosa remained a member until moving out of state. She truly loved her New Grace church family and always considered it her church home.

During her years at New Grace, she served in several ministries, including Assistant Director and Director of Vacation Bible School, Sunday School teacher, Pastor’s Aide ministry and member of the Mass Choir.

Rosa was educated in the Detroit Public School system, graduating from Northern High School in 1962.

She later attended Highland Park Community College and Marygrove College, earning an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Her family was so proud of her when she decided to go back to school. Rosa was especially proud to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Human Relations from Trinity Washington University while in her sixties.

In 1965 Rosa married Alonzo Rawls. Three daughters were born from this union. JuJuan Desiree’, Danielle Antoinette and Angelique Josette.

Rosa and Alonzo did not remain married but they did remain very close friends until his death in 2019.

Rosa made sure that her daughters were raised as a part of the New Grace Church family just as she had been.

Rosa worked in and outside of the home. Besides raising her daughters, her most meaningful roles were in education. She served as the Director of Winnie the Pooh Daycare and retired as an educator in 2020 from Eagle Academy in Washington D.C.

Rosa absolutely loved to travel! When her daughter Danielle was stationed in Japan, Rosa was blessed to accompany her. She lived in Japan with Danielle and her two oldest grandchildren for four years before returning to the states.

Rosa was blessed to travel to several parts of the United States, the Caribbean and parts of Europe. Whenever her daughters would ask about a birthday celebration her answer was always, “Let’s go on a trip!”

Rosa loved her family and she loved people. Any time spent with a stranger meant that they wouldn’t be a stranger for long.

She unexpectedly departed this life on June 8, 2026.

She leaves to cherish her memory: three daughters; JuJuan, Danielle (Randall) and Angelique (Carl); one bonus daughter, Shelita; four grandchildren, Devin, Taylor, Mychal and Makenzie; one brother, Frank Blocton and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.