Ms. Rosa Ayler

In Loving Memory Of Rosa Lee Ayler, born July 19, 1925, in Detroit, Michigan, was the second of six children born to the union of James Eckridge and Maddie Lee Williams, who, along with three brothers, one sister, and two sons, preceded her in death. Rosa was an extremely bright and precocious young child who was not only self-disciplined but a goal-setter with great ambition in mind. Rosa received Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an early age as both of her parents were very active in service at Miller Memorial Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder U.E. Miller. James Eckridge and Maddie Williams raised their children in the spirit of Holiness. Rosa Lee was educated in the Detroit Public School System, where she excelled academically at Wingert Elementary, McMichael Middle School, and Northwestern High School. After high school, Rosa was joined in union with Isaiah Stevenson, and through that union six children were born: three sons, Isaiah Stevenson, Calvin Leonard, and William Gilbert, and three daughters, Barbara, Earline, and Inez. Mom Rose, Mama, Ma, Mommie, Granny, Gramma, The Hall Monitor, as family and close friends affectionately called her, was employed by several well-known corporations throughout her 97 years on this earth. Directly after high school, Rosa began her employment with K & H Printing Company and was later employed at Fisher Body, where she quickly advanced to the position of Foreman. Subsequently, Rosa worked at Michaels Arts & Crafts while eagerly volunteering as a Census Taker for the City of Detroit. An active member of the AARP and a very conscientious citizen, who regarded community involvement and service as essential ways of life, she stepped to the plate and became a Block Club Leader in her neighborhood community. The lack of not giving back to the community and volunteer service were two of Rosa Ayler’s pet peeves. She had multiple charities to which she either gave service or made significant donations. After retirement, she served as an usher at the Fox Theater and the Music Hall while enjoying some of the most fabulous plays and entertainment offered at the time. Rosa enjoyed traveling throughout the country and internationally with her family and close friends, but she especially enjoyed the multiple cruises she had the opportunity to experience. Mom Rose was fond of all sports, including soccer, baseball, basketball, and football. However, her preferred sport was golf, which surprised some because she had two children who were highly regarded college basketball players at the University of Michigan and Central Michigan University, and several grandchildren who were also recruited to play college basketball. Mom Rose was such a humble spirit that at the age of 80, she turned down the opportunity to be showcased in Essence Magazine as one of the “Beautiful Black Women of a Certain Age.” But, with an affectionate smile, a generous, loving spirit, and a wry sense of humor, she met no stranger. Rosa was delighted to share the accomplishments of her siblings, her children, and grandchildren, whom she loved dearly, with any audience that would listen. Rosa leaves to treasure her memory one devoted sister, Gladys Jean Eckridge; three daughters, Barbara Hughes, Earline Winn, and Inez Brown; one son William Ayler; three daughters-in-law Andrea Ford Ayler, Toni Justice-Ayler, and Sandra Ayler; 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. She leaves a legacy of a family with a strong foundation of love for God, family, and faith who will cherish her memory until they meet her again in glory.

Ms. Rosa Ayler

July 19, 1925 - November 16, 2022