Rose Haywood

Rose Haywood, affectionately known as “Mama Rose,” was born on March 26, 1939 to the late James and Rosa Newson in Harlem, New York and was called home to God’s loving arms on April 6, 2020.

Rose was raised in Harlem, and matriculated through the New York City Public School system where she was a steadfast student. She graduated from Fashion Institute High School where she nurtured her love for sewing, knitting, and creating. Rose had an affinity for fashion and style, and carried herself as such. She worked various jobs in the fashion industry before returning to technical school where she honed her secretarial skills. She began working for Mutual of America Life Insurance Company in 1978. Rose’s hard work was recognized by her superiors and she quickly rose through the ranks and retired as a supervisor in 2005, after a successful 27-year career.

Rose was fortunate to find love with the late Stanford L. Haywood. They were married in 1959 and from that union came two children, Michael and Lorraine. She also raised a son in love, Sean Harrison. Rose was a devoted wife and mother, and it was her strength that carried her family. She ensured that her children were taken care of, even at the expense of her own wellbeing. Education was prioritized, with both of her children obtaining college degrees.

Rose gave her life to Christ in 1978 at Brownsville Community Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Harold Burton Sr. and was an active and devoted Christian. She faithfully attended church, where she became more and more immersed with her church family. She served as a member, and subsequently, President of the Senior Usher Board where she led with pride. She looked forward to her favorite yearly event, Ushers’ Friends Day where she would dress up and show out. She also served as a supervisor to the Young Adult Usher Board, which she guided with a stern yet loving demeanor and garnered the admiration of the church youth. She ensured that her children were raised within the church and received the love of Christ. Rose also had a calling to helping others and was dedicated to visiting and providing support to sick and shut- in members of the church.

In 1982, Rose was blessed to become a grandmother and she reveled in her new title. As each grandchild arrived, it was her grandchildren, and later, great-grandchildren that brought out her softer, more tender side. She took great pride in caring for them, teaching them, bringing them to church, cooking, knitting, and instilling in them all of the values that she held so high.

Rose leaves to cherish in her memories: her loving children Michael Haywood, Lorraine Terry, and Sean Harrison, son-in-law Atress Terry, and daughter-in-law Dakota Haywood. She is also survived by four grandchildren-- McKel, Nataisia, DaShon, and Che’Leah; and six great-grandchildren-- Alaya, Nyri, DaShon, Malik, Ny’Lah-Rose, and Destiny. Her earthly departure also leaves behind two brothers-- Willie James Newson and Bishop Bernard Newson, and two sisters-in-law, Delores Newson and Janet Mark. Lastly, she is now separated from a cousin who was like her sister, Loretta Whaley, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and church family.

Due to current health concerns and limits on public gatherings, funeral services will be held privately. Interment will be at Cypress Hills Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY. A memorial celebration of life service will be held at a later time. You are invited to leave condolences here or on her online guestbook.  Rose's family has asked that flowers be omitted.