Obituary of Rosie Prior

Rosie Prior was born and raised in East Texas, where she lived with her mother and father, Joshua and Mattie Gates and her brother Joe. She attended Northside Elementary and Longview Junior High School in Longview, Texas. Rosie accepted Christ at the age of 10 and united with the Growing Valley Baptist Church of Longview, Texas where she was active in the Sunday School, Baptist Training Union, and Young Peoples Development. She completed her public education and graduated form Ned E. Williams High School of Longview. Rosie's two sons, Lester Lewis and Elbert Lewis were born while the family was still in Texas. Rosie moved from Texas to Indio, California in 1948. She continued to be involved with Christian Education and the work of the church through the Second Baptist Church of Indio. She met John P. Prior, and they were married in 1950. When Rev. Prior was called to pastor the First Missionary Baptist Church of Banning, she was supportive and involved in the ministry. Wherever Pastor Prior went - local or long distance - she was always with him to learn, grow and serve. Pastor was called to St. John Baptist Church of San Francisco and Rosie continued to be steadfast in the ministry. She and Pastor Prior nurtured the young people, as well as being a part of the adult ministry. Several generations of young people were blessed because she and Pastor Prior were always in attendance at their weekly meetings, Sunday School, Sunday afternoon engagements - as well as school activities - to teach, counsel, and support. The Lord blessed Rosie to serve as a pastor's wife for 46 years, and she thoroughly enjoyed every day. Another passion of "Big Momma's" was her family - especially her grandchildren. She was often seen at conferences and conventions with her grandchildren, helping to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Big Mama leaves to cherish memories of a well spent life, her sons Lester Lewis and wife Estelle of Banning, CA, and Elbert Lewis. Grandchildren Stephanie Jones, Ronald Lewis, Cassandra Davis, Anthony Lewis and Damien Lewis. Sisters in-law: Theora Prior of Indio, CA; Lorene King and Bonnie Fay Adams, both of Los Angeles, CA; great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.