The Beginning
Ms. Rosa Burruss Powers was born to Mr. Ernest and Bertha Burruss in Madison County Alabama, on December 31, 1941, along with one sister Emma Ruth, four brothers Ernest Burruss, Jr., Ronnie, Charley, and Willie James Burruss. She was a devote Christian, that cherished the Lord at an early age at St. Bartley Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Amos Robinson and V. Castle Stewart. Ms. Powers was a long-time member of the senior usher board and prayer ministry.
She was preceded in death by her sister Emma Ruth, parents, two brothers Ernest Burruss, Jr., and Ronnie Burruss. Her beloved son Shannon Lee Powers, several aunts, uncles, and dear best friend of 50 years Dorothy Hereford.
Finding Her Calling
She began working at an early age during the 60’s for Dr. Harold Drake. She was employed during the day as his office nursing assistant and at Huntsville Hospital during the night as a License Practical Nurse. She worked and received her LPN from the Alabama Board of Nursing in Montgomery, AL where she would continue to work for Huntsville Hospital from which she retired after 54 wonderful years of service November 21, 2014. Ms. Rosa was acknowledged as employee of the year in 1999. She was also honored with Huntsville Hospital Star for 50 years of service from 1960 to 2010, which can be viewed on the first-floor rotunda.
She worked in Labor and Delivery, Mother/Baby and Employee Health, where she was infamously known as “The Shot Lady.” Nursing and caring for others in Northern Alabama was Ms. Rosa’s true passion and she executed it in such a loving way.
Woman of Many Hats – Literally
Ms. Rosa wore many hats during her wonderful fully lived life. To know her was only to love and respect her. Everyone had a purpose, and it was a part of her life story. She loved everyone she had an encounter or relationship with. She thoroughly enjoyed sewing, cooking, fishing, TRAVELING, playing cards, the prayer ministry, and most of all spending time with family and friends. She was also known as the great secret keeper and at your bedside at the hospital, even in her elderly years. As the family matriarch she was well known by many, some knew her as Rosie Mae, Newt, Mae, Ms. Rosa, or Auntie but the title she treasured the most was Mom. She was truly regal in every essence of the word.
Rosa was known for her wonderful food, delicious desserts (red velvet cakes and butter rolls). She loved to have a wonderful time and was the life of the party. Her weekly card parties, family birthday celebrations that seemed to never end and just spending time with family. Her greatest joy was going to sporting events supporting grandkids and nephews.
Homecoming
Ms. Rosa B. Powers leaves to cherish her memories: a beloved daughter and caretaker, Rosalyn Powers; six grandchildren: Shannon Dorsey, Kaliah Williams, Dallas Powers, Shannia Powers, Kennethia McDonald, and Acura Anderson; brothers: Charley (Bobby) Burruss and Willie James Burruss; nieces: Sandra Houston (Forrest), Tammy Rogers (Chester), and Chris Winston; nephews: Anthony Burruss (Linda), Bernard Morgan and a host of other family and friends.
Daughters at heart: Felicia Warner (Dexter), Angela (Gina) Anderson, Charlotte McDonald, Leah Dobbins, Deanna and Lawanna Harris, Mashonda Houston, Felicia Gurley; Sons at heart: Kenneth McDonald, Rodrick Anderson, Tyson White, Darryl Miller; Brothers at heart: Earnest Davis, Thomas Townsend; Godchildren: Felicia Keigler, Frederick Hereford; Sisters at heart: Marvalene Fenelle, Doris Maples, Ruth Kirby (Riley), Trulove Sandifer (Willie); Mee Maws Boys: Big Shug, Omarion, Moose, JaQualin, Dee Jonay, Squirtle, Brody, Tada, Malik Ford, 007, and Justin Davis; Granddaughters at heart: Dametria West (Brian), Crystal Butler, Jewliuna McQuirter, and Heaven Houston; Grandsons at heart: Antonio Brown, Derick Walker, and Alfred Walker; Stylists: Shanna Michelle Pride and Melody Fletcher.
Although she was sweet and loving, she had a very direct and firm side to her demeanor, she stood on her beliefs in which she was rooted in. If you messed with her children or her boys, chances are you had a chance to meet Mae. She was well respected even during a time when youth today take their elders for granted. Her brother Will often said, “that brother of mine and these boy cousins are no match if I want a good fight. I go pick with Mae!”
The funeral service for Ms. Rosa Burruss Powers will be 12:00 noon, Monday, April 1, 2024 at the Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church (3020 Belafonte Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35816) with Pastor Jaymes Mooney officiating. Interment will be in the Meadowlawn Garden of Peace. Ms. Powers will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, March 30, 2024 and 8:30 until 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 1, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home.
