Rosa W. Grantham, age 83, died in her home Tuesday, August 9, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Walterboro, SC, to Frank and Effie Walker and had two older siblings, both deceased. She discovered later in life she had a fourth and younger sibling who died in 2021. Her family lived in high poverty and she was primarily raised by her paternal grandmother, Lula. Upon graduating high school, she moved to Norfolk, VA, to start a new life and obtained a job as a shoe salesperson.
While in Norfolk, she met and married James Ivy Grantham, who preceded her in death in November 2021. He often told the story of living in a beach house while in the Navy and having a party one Saturday night, where Rosa showed up to one of them and he was immediately smitten -- they married six months later in July 1959.
They moved to Troy, NY, soon after, for James to attend graduate school, and had their first child, Debra, in September 1960. For several years after that, Jim frequently changed jobs which brought them first to St. Louis and then Cincinnati. For each move, Rosa was the ultimate planner, managing the household while also packing boxes and creating community for her family. They moved to Owensboro, KY, in 1964, and had their second child, Kia, in 1966, while living there. A story they loved to tell was that they came up with Kia's name while riding around one day and saw a billboard for the Kentucky Education Association (KEA) which sounded like a good name for their new baby girl. Soon after, they moved to Kettering, OH, where they had their third child, James, and then on to Louisville, KY, in 1971. They moved to Raleigh in 1972 and have considered it their home ever since.
What a life they shared! Jim owned his own business and Rosa worked as his secretary for many years, while also managing the household. While they had many ups and downs in their marriage, they remained devoted to each other until Jim's death in November 2021.
Everywhere Rosa went, she was a friendly and genuine person whom people gravitated to and quickly loved. They lived in Laurel Hills subdivision for nearly 30 years and were active members in the neighborhood events -- with Rosa often being the main cook and organizer for Halloween, New Year's, and other parties.
They soon joined Asbury Church on Creedmoor Road, and have been loyal members ever since. Rosa served in numerous roles at Asbury, including as a Stephen's Minister, Lay Pastor, primary cook for events, office secretary, or any other jobs she was asked to help with. She loved her church family and made many lifelong friends while a member there.
Jim and Rosa eventually moved to their dream home in North Raleigh, with a 13 acre farm, and plenty of space for Jim to grow fresh vegetables for Rosa to cook for the family and friends on a regular basis. People loved eating as Ms. Rosa's house! Eventually, the farm was too much for them to handle and they began the process of moving to smaller homes to better accommodate their limitations. They moved to Magnolia Glen in 2016 where they received excellent care, made many friends, ultimately residing in their assisted living facility. The family extends their gratitude for the entire staff's loving care during the last three years, especially during Covid and as their health declined.
Rosa is survived by her three children, Debra lives in Durham, and is married to Richard Cowart; Kia lives in Winterville, NC, and is married to Rick Glosson; James lives in Raleigh; four grandchildren: Jacob Cowart, Breanna Glosson, Morgan Glosson and wife Sarah-Anne, and Gabriel Glosson; great grandchildren, Claire and Jill Glosson.
Throughout Rosa's life she was the epitome of a warm and inviting presence who enjoyed connecting with people from all walks of life. The friendships she made each day were valued and everyone loved receiving a Birthday wish or small but thoughtful gift from Rosa. She had a true gift of making people feel special. She will be missed by many.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 20th at 3 pm at Asbury Church in Raleigh, with family to receive friends following. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church - 6612 Creedmoor Road - Raleigh, NC 27613.
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