Rosa Lie Rumph

Her story began on July 11, 1964, when she was born at Sumter County Hospital in Sumter, South Carolina, to the late Harry Lee Smoot and Mary Eunice Dow (Smoot). Raised in Pinewood, South Carolina, Rosa later moved to High Point, North Carolina, during her junior high school years. She proudly graduated from High Point Central High School in June 1982. It was during these early years in High Point that Rosa met the Lord and was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church, establishing a foundation of faith that guided her throughout her life.

Driven by a desire for higher education, Rosa relocated to Killeen (Fort Hood), Texas, to live with her brother, Charles Smoot. She began her college journey at Central Texas College in 1989. It was during this time in Texas that she met the love of her life, Dwight Rumph, who was then serving in the military. The couple was joined in Holy Matrimony on January 15, 1993. While no biological children were born to this union, their lives were filled with shared purpose and deep devotion.

Rosa possessed an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. She continued her studies at Texas Southern University, where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. This academic excellence launched a distinguished, 30-year career in the mortgage industry, where she excelled as a Mortgage Auditor and Underwriter. Later in life, answering a calling to nurture young minds, Rosa transitioned to education, spending her final years lovingly serving as an elementary school teacher until her passing.

Rosa and Dwight dedicated their lives to lifting others up, frequently donating to charities supporting the homeless, student scholarships, and anyone in need of a helping hand. Deeply involved in her community, Rosa was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the American Legion Auxiliary. She also used her talents to serve others as a Real Estate Agent and as an Ombudsman for the elderly.

Inspired by her husband’s military service, Rosa co-founded the Veterans One-Stop Shop alongside Dwight. This impactful nonprofit organization was dedicated to helping homeless veterans successfully transition from life on the streets into stable housing, while providing the essential assistance and resources they needed to rebuild their lives.

As a proud TSU alumna, Rosa was also incredibly passionate about supporting the next generation of scholars. She was instrumental in establishing the Rumph Family Scholarship, a program dedicated to supporting students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Managed in partnership with the Spring ISD Education Foundation, the foundation selects deserving recipients while Rosa and Dwight generously provided the funding. Her legacy of education, service, and deep faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Rumph Family Scholarship through the Spring ISD Educational Foundation.