Ms. Rosita Delores Roderick Strong was born September 27, 1952, in Headley England, to Mr. Joaquim Roderick and Mrs. Maria Fusaro Roderick. She departed this life July 3, 2023, at her residence in Huntsville, Alabama.
Rosita moved around a lot due to her father being in the military; however, she graduated high school at Satellite Beach High School, in Satellite Beach Florida. She enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1972, serving four years until she was honorably discharged. After which, she enrolled in Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, majoring in Computer Science, graduating in 1979. In 1985 she also obtained a Master’s in Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology. Rosita worked for the Department of Defense as a government employee from 1980-2013 working multiple high visibility Army programs including Phased Array Tracking to Intercept of Target (PATRIOT).
Rosita confessed hope in Christ at early age. She was a charter member of True Light Church of God in Christ, where she remained faithful until her transition. Rose loved doing the work of the Lord and serving in multiple departments within the church. She was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, and enjoyed celebrating her Silver Star year (25 years of service) during the 2022 Boule. She loved participating on various committees and planning numerous events.
She was a Godly woman with a sweet spirit who was always willing to help anyone in need. In addition, she enjoyed going to the Bob Harrison Senior Center and bowling with her bowling team during the week. Lastly, she truly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren whether attending their events and ball games, shopping, or hanging at the house; they were truly the apple of her eye.
Rosita was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Joaquim Roderick, and Mrs. Maria Fusaro Roderick. She leaves to cherish her sweet memory: daughters, Antonia Strong-Etheridge (Jason), Hampton, GA, and Natalie Whitlow, Huntsville, AL, son, Alan Bloodsaw, Huntsville, AL; sisters, Emanuela Spivery of Huntsville, AL, Alice Ramseur (Chris), Hollywood, FL, Lucia Sapp (Larry), Akin, South Carolina, Anita Thomas (Ken), Melbourne, FL, Roosevelt Strong (former spouse), Huntsville, AL; sister-in-law, Willie Mae Ford (Jerry), Huntsville, AL; brothers-in-law, Earl Strong Jr. and James Strong (Mary) both of Huntsville, AL; grand-children, Maria Smith (Charles), Winder, GA, Justin Etheridge, Hampton, GA, Lamir Whitlow, Destiny Higgins, Allan Higgins, Takera Higgins, Heaven Higgins, Parris Higgins all of Huntsville, AL; eleven great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 9, 2023, at the True Light Church of God in Christ (6380 Pulaski Pike NW Huntsville, AL 35810) with Dr. Terrell Harris, Jr. officiating. Interment will be in the Huntsville Memory Gardens. Mrs. Strong will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
The Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Royal Chapel of Memories. The Strong family will receive guests from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023, and 8:30 until 12:00 noon, Sunday, July 9, 2023, at the Royal Funeral Home.
