Obituary

Rosena Blackburn

May 23, 1937 - August 20, 2022

Rosena Blackburn was born Sunday, May 23, 1937, in Warnerton, Louisiana. Rosena was the  first born between the beautiful union of Trellis and Laura Ann Epps Burton, the welcomed little sister of Otis Brown and Lily Mae. As a toddler the family would move 5 miles southwest to Clifton, Louisiana where 8 additional siblings would be born. At the tender age of 15, Rosena left home with her big sister Lily Mae traveling toward an unknown destination, following her spirit of independence and excitement, setting her desires toward New Orleans, Louisiana. She would soon meet a young man by the name of Roy Conerly. Together they would unite and create the beautiful life of their daughter Laura E. Davis.

Years later, Rosena would meet and marry her late husband, Lee Blackburn. During this marriage she would birth three babies, all who would return to the heavens all too soon, Wilomena, Nathaniel, and Leroy. Rosena chose to continue her journey, living independently all along, welcoming new friends.

She enjoyed collecting family photos, painting ceramics and furniture, everything was required to be red and black. During her pass time she would watch her favorite late-night shows, Perry Mason, Gun Smoke, and I Love Lucy.

Later in life, Rosena became ill and required nursing care. She had only ONE request. “If I have to be in a nursing home, I want to be with my brother.” She adored her family, and the love ran deep! She spent the last years of her life at Heritage Manor. During her transition, she joins her parents Trellis and Laura Ann Burton, her siblings Otis, Lily Mae, Abe, Esbus, Arice, Samuel, and Leroy; her children Wilomena, Nathaniel, and Leroy, her great grandson Ze’Kyle and friends she adored. 

She leaves behind her daughter Laura E. Davis, her grandchildren Eric Cyprain, Jr. (Nikki), and Juanitra L. Cyprain Robinson, along with a host of great-grands, nieces, nephews, and siblings Joe Edward Burton, Ellen Emerson (Ned), and Chris Burton (Jaynell).

Services will be on August 27, 2022 at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton, Louisiana. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until the Funeral Service at 1:00 PM.