Rosetta C. Gray

Ms. Rosetta Charlene Gray was born March 12th, 1951 in Chicago, IL to the happy union of Mr. Willie E Gray and Marlene Morris.  She had one younger brother Willie Jr that passed unexpectedly as a child.  Rosetta was affectionately named after her grandmother Rosie.  Rosie was the matriarch of the family and her home was the hub of the neighborhood where many friends and family would gather to play, socialize, and of course eat Rosie’s famous Sunday meals and signature pies.  Rosetta developed strong relationships early on with many friends and learned the importance of a loving and supporting family within a tight knit community.  She was a true daddy’s girl and Willie made it easy; she was the apple of his eye and a he was a gentle soul that would do anything for his only daughter.

Rosetta accepted Christ as her Lord and personal savior at an early age.  She faithfully attended St. Stephen African Methodist Episcopal Church on Chicago’s near west side with her family for decades.  This is where the Holy Spirit called her to study and develop a strong foundation and desire for the word of God that would guide her throughout many challenges in life.  Many would look forward to receiving uplifting scriptures and words of wisdom from Rosetta Daily.  Regardless of the situation she always had a genuinely positive attitude and was happy to bestow her wisdom and prayers with empathy for all of those in need.   
 
Rosetta attended Lucy Flower High School in her teen years then went on to obtain her undergraduate degree from Northern IL University, and then her masters in Special Education from Northeastern University.  This is where she pledged Zeta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and gained many lifelong sisters.  She was an exemplary member that often dedicated her time to charitable works and community service.  

Her career path lead her to becoming a special education teacher and case manager for Drummond Elementary in the Chicago Public School System.  She mentored many teachers throughout her career and gained many friendships that have lasted over 50 years.  Many of them would tell you she had a playful sense of humor and a smile that would make you feel safe, and that everything would be ok.  She made you feel like a friend, because you were.   Rosetta worked diligently and passionately for 36 years in a career that was highlighted by her dedication to helping underserved special needs children; especially those students that often didn’t have an advocate or voice for themselves at the time.  She always looked out for the vulnerable and empowered her students to believe that a quality education was the foundation to achieving whatever goals they wished to pursue in life.  She truly loved to care for all children and her spirit was very welcoming and nurturing to all in her presence.  She was beloved by all students, faculty, and parents and was consistently recognized and awarded for many achievements both nationally and at Drummond where she was awarded Teacher of the Year on more than one occasion.  Many of her students to this day credit their success to Rosetta believing in them as children and setting them on the path to success.  Her commitment to excellence was inspiring to all.  

On July 24th, 1983 Rosetta and her partner Herbert Slack gave birth to her “#1 and favorite son” Jasan Zachary Earl Slack.  When he was born they were instantly joined at the hip and they shared a loving bond that was undeniable and apparent to all.  Early on you knew if you ran into Rosetta that Jasan would not be far behind somewhere.  As he grew older he became her protector, while she remained his everything.  But most of all they were the best of friends.  She instilled in him the same work ethic and commitment that paved the way to her own success.  All while making many sacrifices to ensure that he received a loving childhood and quality education which included him obtaining his degree from Hampton University.  She made it her purpose to teach him confidence, perseverance, but most importantly learning the word of God and practicing a strong prayer life.  She would tell anyone who would listen how proud she was of her son.  They loved each other unconditionally.   

Rosetta battled Multiple Sclerosis, a debilitating disease that effects the neuro and muscular system progressively throughout the tail end of her life.  A tough sentence for some; but not this prayer warrior.  This was just another obstacle she knew that could only be faced with a strong faith in the Lord.  She would gain that faith by hearing the word of God as a committed and active member at Living Word Christian Center.  She would love sitting in her favorite spot while renewing her strength spiritually and physically every Sunday.  The church was her second home and she gained many lifelong friends there who all are better for knowing and sharing the word with her in fellowship.  As her health diminished her faith in the Lord our God only increased.  She never wavered with her conviction and was faithful until the very end, until her very last breath.  We can look to her as inspiration and only hope to show the courage she did to face our own struggles day in and day out with patience and grace.  Rosetta fought the good fight with every ounce she had left in her fragile body, she boldly finished the race, and she absolutely kept the faith.  And now there is in store for her the crown of righteousness forever resting in the arms of her Lord and savior Jesus Christ.  I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving.  

Rosetta leaves to cherish her memories her #1 and still of course favorite son Jasan Slack, daughter-in-law Erin Slack, half brother and sister-in-law Eugene and Lavenia Ford along with their daughter Rosetta’s niece Ashley Ford from her Father Willie’s second marriage to Lula Gray, both preceded her transition.  Cousin June Andry along with her children April, Thaddeus, Alicia, Tim, Touissaint, and Alicia Andry.  Delta sister and Godmother to Jasan Geraldine Crider along with her daughters Tammy and Nancy.  Lehman Morris and the entire Morris family.  There are also a host of may friends from her Drummond family among some of her best Lara Cruz, Loretta Catto, Chris McDonald, Mary Miller, Chris Bonkoski, Lucy, Ms. Ocasio, and countless others.  Cousins, nieces, nephews including Kathy, Nate, Greg, and Ashley Rodgers. Kathie and Maria, John and Wanda, Howard and Blake families and many companions she picked up along her journey through the Brookdale community, Oak Park Arms, and Concord Place.  Until we meet again, May God bless you all!

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