Rosa   Siler

Rosa L. Siler was born on June 8, 1915. She was one of eight children born to Flora Brooks Siler and Don Henry Siler, all of whom predeceased her. She received her early education at Gee Grove, and Chatham County Schools, where she excelled as a student. While still in North Carolina, her spiritual journey began at Gee Grove A.M.E Zion Church in Siler City, and continued at St. Stephens Church in Greenboro.

She was the mother of four (4) children; Betty Ann Edwards, Rufus Siler, and William Siler, all of whom predeceased her, as well as Robert Dan Siler. She worked as a domestic worker in Siler City, and Greenboro, North Carolina, before relocating to Brooklyn, New York in 1995.

A fter moving to New York, she became a social worker, and was employed by the New York City Department of Social Services, where rendered meritorious service until her retirement. In addition to her work, she raised (4) grandchildren; Mark Edwards, who predeceased her, William Edwards, Lisa Pendley-Bostick, and Betty West.

In 1969, she accepted the Seventh-day Adventist message, and joined fellowship with the Brooklyn Temple of Seventh-day Adventist congregation. From the onset she involved herself in every facet of church-life. She joined the Ushers Board, the Deaconess Board, the Health and Welfare Ministry/Community Service Department, the Pathfinders Club, the Brooklyn Temple School Board, Home and School Department, the Agape (kitchen) committee, and the Sabbath School Department.

 For several years she served as the Chairperson of the Brooklyn Temple School Board. Over the years she raised thousands of dollars both for the running of the school as well as for scholarships. She also served as president of the Health and Welfare/Community Services Federation of the Brooklyn/Staten Island area. In 1984, she was crowned Queen of the entire Northeastern Conference Senoir Citizens Association, for raising the most funds for the organization that year.

She possessed a pleasant demeanor. Her smile was radiant. Her voice was soothing yet firm, and her personality was infectious. She was a kind, considerate, gentle, resourceful, helpful, loving and godly person. She was a loyal friend; a devoted and nourishing mother and grandmother; a kind neighbor; a hard, dependable and conscientious worker; a committed christian; a mighty warrior of the Cross of Jesus Christ. Whether at home, at work, at church, or in the community, she was the same consistent christian. She did not wear her religion on her sleeves to make people uncomfortable, but she so witnessed to it in her life that people who knew her were drawn to, her church, and her Saviour.

Heaven has taken note that another Soldier of Christ has fallen in battle. Her place at home, at church, and in the community is now vacant, except in our hearts and minds, and she will be greatly missed.

 She leaves to mourn her loss: Her son, Robert Siler, Daughter-in-law, Helena Siler, Grand Children; William Edwards, Lisa Pendley-Bostick, Betty West, Donna Scott, Robert Siler Jr., Beverley Becton, Richard Siler, and Gregory Siler; Great Grand Children Tahneesha, Everton II, Brandyn, Ty-Kwon, Ja-Yuan, Donita, Desiree, Darcel, Danay, Tiffany, Richard James, Justin, Danielle, and Shaquan. In laws, Harvey Bostick, Richard West, Jason Scott, Rahmel Becton, Deborah Siler, and Blissenobi, as well as a host of of great, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, relatives, and friends.

On January 12, 2008, God saw that she was tired for the journey so he laid her to rest in Jesus. She now awaits the call of the life-giver, to which she will respond on the ressurrection morn, when we will all meet, never to part again.