Rosemary Nelson Johnson was born February 22, 1928, in New Roads, Louisiana to Reverend Albert Nelson and Mariah Pierson Nelson. Her educational and spiritual journey was achieved from the inspiration of her parents. They gave her the opportunities that were never available to them, and she eventually struggled to give the same prospects to her children. This was the beginning of a legacy of spiritual growth through music and the word of God.
With the help and determination of her father, Rosemary made the necessary sacrifice to get an education. Her journey began at the age of 12 when she attended schools McKinley High School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Gilbert Academy in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her travel was extensive and sometimes dangerous because there were no high schools in New Roads. To further ensure that Rosemary would get a proper high school education, her father paid several people to allow her to reside in their homes. Rosemary's father did not earn much money as a minister, yet he still made the sacrifices to better her future, no matter what it took. Reverend Nelson, with a strong belief in education, only wanted the best for his children. Rosemary had to endure many trials and tribulations: she had to hitch-hike rides with Exxon workers in the wee hours of the morning, walk miles to school, live in funeral homes, babysit and sometimes consumed a limited amount of food. Rosemary said, "If you could have seen how far I had to walk, but those long walks opened many doors that impacted my future. "When Rosemary resided in Martha's home in Baton Rouge, she was well-groomed. While living with the Hills in New Orleans, Rosemary studied cosmetology, foreign language and music.
At a very early age, when Rosemary attended a Catholic school, music became a key component of her life. She studied piano under Cora Lee Herbert, which aroused her interest in music. With her father's financial support, Albert Stewart, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, continued giving Rosemary private lessons. At McKinley High School, Rosemary excelled even more in music and performed the lead role in the opera, "Ship a Hoy." Continuing to pursue her education, she attended Southern University as music major, but she eventually changed her major to elementary/secondary education and received her B.A. degree.
Rosemary began her teaching career at the age of 17 and became one of the most prominent educators in New Roads, Louisiana. She still continued to pursue her music career, appearing on a television program with Dr. Valerian Smith, who was the founder of the Baton Rouge Playhouse and the father of famous actress Lynn Whitfield. To praise and worship God, Rosemary used her musical talent to train and direct choirs: Greater St. Peter Baptist Church, St. Peter Baptist Church, St. Peter A.M.E. Church, Zion Traveler Baptist Church, Holy Church of God, Sixth Ward, Fairland Baptist Church, Mount Era Baptist Church, Morning Star Baptist Church, Little Rock Baptist Church and many more.
Rosemary was fortunate to also have the spiritual guidance of her father and mother because she always put her trust in God to help her through life. "When I hear the young people talking about their struggles and hard times, they really do not know what many of us have gone through to pave the way for them. Life is a struggle, and you have to go through trials and tribulations. Do not complain. Think of what Jesus Christ had to go through. I thank God now for what I have. Do not look at worldly things because you cannot take them with you. In our family, richness was God's word and love. Trust God and keep the faith."
She went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 15, 2015. She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Francis Reed, Diane Dillon; Sandra Reed; Gary Wayne (Karen); Johnson, Tannette Elie (Jean); Cynthia Denise Moore (Collins); Jacqueline Johnson, and Samuel Karl Johnson (Vanessa); Sister, Roenia Grimes (Walter); brother, Reverend Joel Nelson (Ethel); 17 grandchildren, 36 great- grandchildren:; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and former husband and good friend, Samuel Johnson Jr. Preceded in death by parents, Albert A. Nelson and Mariah Pierson Nelson; Brothers: Albert Nelson Jr.; Edward C. Nelson; Charles Lee Nelson; and Boydia Nelson.
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