Obituary of Rosetta Smothers

Rosetta Octavia Claiborne Smothers was born in Fluvanna County, Virginia on November 29, 1917 to George and Kate Jefferson Claiborne. She grew up in Powhatan, Virginia and was educated in Powhatan County Public Schools. On August 30, 1937, Rosetta was joined in Holy Matrimony to William Smothers. She was completely devoted to her family and took pride in rearing her children and many of her grandchildren. Rosetta joined Little Zion Baptist Church at an early age and worked diligently as a faithful member of the Missionary Circle Ministry, Choir Ministry, Prayer Band Ministry and a willing worker for the NAACP. She loved her church and the church family. She represented the James River Baptist Association. She was an excellent cook without recipe. She loved good gospel singing. Rosetta was the Queen of Dominoes, a philanthropist, someone who never met a stranger, a disciplinarian and among all things, she loved beautiful hats. Through her sweet personality and beautiful smile, she displayed God's love. On Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Rosetta peacefully went home to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Smothers and two sons, baby John Thomas and Clarence Smothers. She leaves to cherish her life and legacy nine children, two devoted Earl Smothers and Pearl Hopewell (Lawrence), Annie Palmore, George, Maurice (Pauline) and Kathryn Smothers, Jean Taliaferro, Claudine Smith and Gloria Holman (Leonard); a long term friend whom she thought of as a sister all her life, Delia Jones. Thirty grandchildren, forty-six great-grandchildren, eight great great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends; among those long time friends, Carol Drew Mayo, Mary Benjamin, Mary Taliaferro, Margaret Manning, and Ann Palmore.