Life’s Reflections
Rosalynn Gatewood, lovingly known as “Roz,” was born on August 4, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Matthew Williams Jr. and Doris Jean Williams.
Shortly after, the family relocated to New York City, settling in St. Albans, Queens.
Roz received her early education at P.S. 134, attended I.S. 192 for middle school, and completed grades 11 and 12 at Andrew Jackson High School. Later in life, determined to further her education, she earned her GED from Tennessee Tech High School—a first step in a lifelong example of perseverance and growth.
After a brief marriage and divorce, Roz began a new chapter in Rochdale Homes in South Side Queens, near her father’s service station. It was here, alongside her mother, Doris Jean, that she began rebuilding her life while raising her niece and nephew, Pia and Marques. Along the way, she gained a circle of lifelong friends, including Alecia and Charles Thurston, Margaret Williams Morgan, and many others who became like extended family.
Eventually, Roz returned to Memphis, where she reconnected with loved ones—Aunt Chris and Grandma Mable—in the Orange Mound community. In true “matchmaker” fashion, Aunt Chris introduced her to Milton Gatewood Sr. After a brief courtship, Roz and Milton married on Christmas Eve of 1982. Together, they raised three sons: Milton Jr. (born April 1983), Jason (July 1984), and Reggie (September 1986).
The family later returned to New York in pursuit of new opportunities, where Roz balanced raising her boys with reconnecting to her Queens roots and childhood friends, including Leslie Weber and Diane Nedwood. In 1995, she and her family returned home to Memphis for good, where she lived out her days surrounded by family and community.
Roz was dedicated not only to her family but also to her education and career. While raising her sons, she furthered her studies, ultimately earning a master’s degree. It was in 2015 that Roz went through the process of becoming a Graduate Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She built a career with the City of Memphis, working as a clerical assistant in the Office of Solid Waste until her retirement in 2016.
At home, Roz was the heartbeat of Boston Street, where she cared for her six grandchildren and nurtured countless others who came through her door. She had a way of making everyone feel welcomed, seen, and loved.
Roz was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew Williams Jr. and Doris Jean Williams; her sister, Marlene Anderson; and her brother, Sheldon Williams.
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Milton Sr.; her three sons, Milton Jr. (Monica Black), Jason, and Reggie (Ciera Gatewood); her half-brother, Wendell; seven grandchildren—Zion, Reggie Jr., Jason Jr., McKenzie, Malia Pleas, Shane Black, her beloved niece and nephew, Pia Bogan (Mark Bogan Sr.) and Marques Anderson and along with their children Jessica Espy (Antoine) Julien Bogan, Mark Bogan Jr, Aleah Bogan; and a host of cousins, extended family, and lifelong friends.
Roz’s life was a journey of resilience, family, and faith. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose presence could fill a room, and whose love will continue to guide all who knew her.
Her story reminds us that no matter where life takes us — Queens, Memphis, or anywhere in between — home is not just a place, but the people we carry in our hearts.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalms 23
Order of Celebration
Saturday, October 4, 2025
11:00 A.M.
Greater Faith Baptist Church
920 Haynes Street • Memphis, Tennessee 38114
Pastor J. Allen Cutter, Jr.
Scripture Readings
Pastor Giambria Holley
Prayer
Bro. Antoine Espy
Poem
Milton Gatewood, Jr.
Song
Sherryl Carlock
Words of Expression Family & Friends
Musical Selection
Mr. Bird Williams
Eulogy
Pastor J. Allen Cutter, Jr.
Closing Prayer
T L ributes ove to
Your Forever Baby
To My Forever Lady, I Love You!
To be born, your child was to be born receiving unconditional love. Yes, your forever baby could be a forever headache, but that never changed your love. From breaking dishes, pulling down ceilings, and running cars into the house, your love never changed! God said nobody’s perfect, but He surely made certain you were perfect for us! You prepared us for everything, including this! From making sure all of us knew what your wishes were when the time came. You made sure that what you gave us, we could use forever and pass down to our kids! My forever lady, I’m going to miss you! I know to be absent from the body is to be present in the Lord! Thank you, My Forever Lady. Get your rest. Your 3 Men got it from here. We love you and we shall meet again!!
Tribute To Our Grandma
Grandma, your love was gentle, yet strong enough to guide us all. You taught us kindness in little things, and laughter that still echoes through our halls.
You remembered every dream we shared, every smile, each tear, each song. Though you’ve gone, your light remains— in our hearts, it burns lifelong.
We’ll carry forward what you gave, your lessons, your warmth, your way. Rest now, sweet Grandma, knowing your love will never fade.
You would smile when I came in— “#1, is that you?”
“Yes ma, it is.”
I’m gonna miss that more than I can say.
They always say you only get one mama, and that’s all Rosalynn Gatewood ever knew how to be. From our early years with Cousin Mark in the house, to the friends who found shelter in your care, you left a piece of yourself with every one of us.
I see it now in the love, in the support, in the faces of those you gave peace to. It’s kept a smile on my face, even in these hard days— like you knew we’d need that kind of strength.
There’s so much I’ll miss, so much I can’t yet put into words. But I’m grateful, Mama. Grateful for the love you poured into me, for the affection you showed, for how you shaped the man I am today.
The smile I wear each day— that’s you, Rosalynn Gatewood. That’s the gift you left behind. And as long as I keep smiling, you’ll keep living on.
~Acknowledgements ~
The family of Rosalynn Gatewood wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all of you who have supported us during this time of bereavement. Your cards, calls, well wishes, and prayers have given us strength. May God shower His many blessings upon each of you.
Family
Melvin
Ronald
Shawn
Marco
Cornelius
Darius
Vincent
Marcus
