Obituary

Rosemary J. Phillips

May 27, 1956 - November 25, 2021

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 NKJ

Rosemary J. Phillips entered into God’s Kingdom after a courageous second battle with leukemia on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at the age of 65. Rosemary, a native of Bogalusa, LA and a resident of Clermont, FL was surrounded by her son and daughter at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Rosemary was born to Ida L. Martin and Melodysee Peters on May 27, 1956 in Bogalusa, Louisiana. A member of the church from a very young age, Rosemary participated in the church choir at Sweet Beulah Baptist Church alongside her family.

Throughout her entire life, Rosemary was a loyal servant to God, first and foremost. She loved the church and loved sharing the love and warmth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, with as many people as possible. She was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Angie, LA, until she was spirit-led to relocate to Dallas, Tx. Upon arrival to Dallas, she attended Friendship West Baptist Church approximately from 1995-1998. Eventually she joined the Potter’s House, serving approximately from 1998-2008 in the Potter’s House Choir, “God’s Leading Ladies” Life Enrichment Program, and other ministries.

Next, she served God in many capacities as a member of Eagles Nest Cathedral approximately from 2008-2010. While there, she completed three courses of study to certify as an Exhorter Minister, Licensed Minister, and a Ordained Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Later, Rosemary was eventually led to The Potter’s House – North (Dallas), serving approximately from 2010-2015 and Unique Deliverance Tabernacle, approximately from 2015-2019.

Finally, she relocated to Orlando, FL in 2020 to aid in the startup of The Floating Church Dock, serving until being called home to GLORY!

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” Proverbs 16:3

After graduation from Varnado High, Rosemary landed her first job in the Food Service Department at Washington-St. Tammy Regional Medical Center and quickly worked her way up and across the ladder in various positions for 16 ½, culminating as a supervisor in the Data Processing, Medical Billing Department.

Next, she departed for Dallas, Texas for ministry and work in mortgage banking positions as a closer, funder, and trainer for 13 years with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage; traveling as a mortgage contractor across the nation to conduct time – consuming validation of the preparation and routing of FHA, VA, and Conventional Loans totaling in excess of 100 million dollars.

Later, 2008 Rosemary relocated to work at Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FIDC) for 8 ½ years as a Resolution and Receivership Technician/Complex Financial Institutions (CFI) Program Assistant to help ensure the protection of insured depositors at failed banks! Her professionalism and superb performance led to a handpicked assignment in Washington, DC for four months as a Program Assistant to Contract Oversight, managing a large portfolio of government contractors and job assignment, associated with Failed Financial Systems.  

Finally, after retiring, Rosemary worked as a Security Officer for 2 years at JP Morgan Chase to provide safety and security for employees and clients.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” – Ephesians 6:1

In the early years of motherhood, Rosemary dedicated her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother; teaching her children about the love of God. Rosemary excelled at supporting Joseph in football, basketball, and academic studies; Tiwanda in band, school organizations and academic studies. Later, she inspired Joseph to pursue a career in the United States Navy as a Sonar Technician; Tiwanda to pursue a degree in higher education towards helping others. Rosemary supported her family through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. For instance, she supported Joseph throughout 24 years of military service and encouraged Tiwanda’s transition from an outstanding career in medical billing to a ministry-based career. She made it her mission to improve their lives and the lives of her grandchildren, great grandchild, and Godchildren. Her greatest accomplishment as a mother was showing and encouraging all of them hos to love and walk with Jesus Christ!

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” – Psalm 73:26

Rosemary is survived by her children: Joseph (Jennifer) Matthews, Jr. of Oak Harbor, WA, and Tiwanda Matthews of Clermont, FL, three grandchildren: Lakeasha N. Jackson of Covington, LA, Jada E. Matthews of Oak Habor, WA, and Jarrick J. Matthews of Oak Harbor, WA; one great grand: Ty’Zavier Thomas of Covington, LA; six Godchildren: Ashley N. Blackwell of Chalmette, LA, Jovon McKinley (Ashley) of Angie, LA; Cory (Jackie) Adams of Augusta, GA; and Corky (Starr) Magee of Melissa, TX; six siblings: Rosa (Rev. A.R.) Moses of Angie, LA; Sherre Pack (Timothy) Hookfin of Tickfaw, LA Pam Blackwell of Baton Rouge, LA Robin (Gabriel) Ekechukwu of Slidell, LA, Pastor Walter L. Jackson of Bogalusa, LA; and Rene’ (Terranto) Foster of Bogalusa, LA; devoted friend: Shirley Jackson of Arlington, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, and brothers/sisters in Christ.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents: Ida (Walter) Martin and Melodysee (Vivian) Peters; one son, Joshua Matthews; and two sisters: Mary Menina and Annie Anderson.

A private homegoing celebration will be Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 12:00PM at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Lesley McKinley, Officiating. Interment will follow in Robinson Cemetery in Varnado.

The repast is open to Family and Friends that are unable to attend the private homegoing celebration. Please join us at approximately 2:30 PM at The Event Center in Bogalusa. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa are in charge of arrangements.