Mother Rosa Mary Wells

Rosa Mary was born on May 29, 1928, in Jackson, Mississippi to the union of Singleton R. Chambers and Pearlie (Robinson) Chambers. She spent her early childhood years in Jackson, MS. Later she and her older sister, Geraldine, moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas with their father, where she received her formal education. Being the daughter of a prolific gospel preacher, she was raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord. She was saved at a young age and shortly thereafter she was filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. In 1947 she moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and married Cornelius N. Rucker. To this union three children were born. She and her husband united with the Evangelist Temple House of Refuge for All Nations Church of God in Christ, founded by her father. She worked in the church as a singer, musician, and Sunday School teacher. Upon her husband being called to the pastorate of St. Paul Church of God in Christ the family moved to Bakersfield, California where she served as First Lady and State YPWW Chairlady in her Jurisdiction under the supervision of Mother Mattie McGlothen. While she was in California, she worked as a cook at a nursing facility. She was a great cook, known for preparing delicious soul food meals for her family and more specifically for her grandchildren. She made the best fried apple and peach pies, sweep potato pies, and homemade rolls. In 1968 she moved back to Kansas City, Missouri and reunited with Evangelist Temple. Once back in Kansas City she became a childcare provider. She traveled extensively with her father assisting in ministry whenever and wherever she was needed. Singing was one of her God-given gifts. She was anointed to sing. She could sing you happy with such renditions of “Now Lord”, “I Get Great Consolation When I Pray”, “I Know The Lord Will Make A Way”, and her signature song “Move On Up A Little Higher”. She was a licensed Evangelist Missionary and traveled abroad conducting countless revivals and crusades. Many souls were saved, filled, healed, and delivered under her ministry. In addition to working in her local church and evangelizing, she formerly served in the Evangelist Temple Diocese in the following positions: National President of the Missionary Board, Missouri Jurisdictional Supervisor of the Women’s Department, and National Elect Lady. She loved working for the Lord. In February of 2020, she joined Redemption Church of God in Christ under watch care with Superintendent Thuston L. Packnett, Sr. as her leader. She was appointed to the Mother’s Board where she served faithfully until her health began to decline. On Friday evening, July 14th at 11:45 pm she entered the Church Triumphant and joined the heavenly cloud of witnesses where it will always be “howdy, howdy and never goodbye”! Today marks the end of an era as we lay our matriarch to rest. She is preceded in death by her parents, her oldest sister, Geraldine Chambers-Keys, and her oldest daughter, Linda P. Rucker-Howard. She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy, her daughter, Cornelia M. Rucker, her son, Elder Cornelius E. (Karen) Rucker, eleven grandchildren, Stacy R. Howard, Elder Andre L. Rucker, Carlos Jones, Michael A. (Erin) Coats, Trena M. Thomas, Cortez L. (Unekeia) Howard, Jr., Cortinos L. Howard of Phoenix, AZ, Channel N. (Reginald Sr.) Smith, Chontae R. Rucker, Constance C. Rucker, Ciara M. (Deron) Nero of Dallas, TX, her Godson, Elder Edwon Edwards, her siblings, Lady Angela (Overseer W. T.) Bolen, Robert (Linda) Jordan, Sam Jordan of Jackson, MS, Lady Linda (Bishop Carl Sr.) Ratliff of Little Rock, AR, Louise Ellis of Reseda, CA, 22 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, two special cousins, Madame Janis Johnson-Durr and Joyce O’Quinn both of Jackson, MS, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, her Redemption Church Family and many friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 22, 2023, 11:00am at Evangel Temple House of Refuge for All Nations COGIC . Visitation will be held Friday, July 21, 2023, from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel and Saturday, July 22, from 10:00am-11:00am at the church. Interment Forest Hill Cem. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel.

Mother Rosa Mary Wells

May 29, 1928 - July 14, 2023