Rosa Marie Morgan
Rosa Marie Morgan, the oldest of 10 children, was born March 21, 1937, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Porter (Anna) Pope. Rosa’s life was filled with achievements, grace, and a steadfast devotion to helping others. She graduated in the top of her class, from Bridgeforth High School, in 1954. In October of that same year, Rosa moved to Chattanooga, Tn., to live with her Aunt Minnie. She worked as a private housekeeper on Lookout Mountain as well as in housekeeping at Erlanger Hospital. Rosa’s true passion led her to Madam CJ Walker School of Cosmetology where she accomplished her dream of becoming a beautician in 1959. She was the owner of Rosa’s Beauty Shop, at her home, in the Churchville Community for more than 60 years.
Rosa met the love of her life, Robert Morgan, Jr., in 1956. On the 14th of September, 1958, Rosa and Robert, Jr. (Chic) cemented their love by marriage in Pulaski, Tn. On that day not only did she become a wife, but also a mother to Roslyn, Jocelyn, and Richard Morgan! On Oct. 5, 1963, Rosa and Robert. welcomed their beautiful baby daughter Kimberly.
Rosa was a faithful servant of the Lord. She joined Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church after marrying Robert. She was regular in attendance and served faithfully for 60 plus years until her health declined. Rosa was a member of the Beautifying Guild Ministry and she was also active with the Sisterhood Ministry. She was a Purple Gem member of the Order of the Eastern Star, representing 50 years of active duty! She was also affiliated with Tennessee Black Business Professional Women, VeArts, and the Tennessee Beautician Barber NT Association, where she was State treasurer for over 40 years. Throughout her life, Rosa bore witness to some of America’s most significant events in history, for example: the landing of the first man on the moon, the signing of the Civil Rights Act, and the election of Barack Obama, the first black president.
Those who await her in beautiful Glory land are: husband, Robert Morgan, Jr., parents; daughter, Roslyn Cameron, brother, Henry Lewis Pope; grandson, Sean Oglesby; great grandsons, Gregory and Nicholas Morgan.
Mrs. Morgan’s memory will be forever cherished by those fortunate enough to have known her. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and love that will continue to touch lives for years to come. Beautiful memories linger with her children; Kimberly Morgan, Jocelyn Stodghill both of Chattanooga, TN and Richard (Juanetta) Morgan of Buhl, AL; aunt, Willard Conn of Pittsburg, PA; sisters, Effie (Franklin) Davis of Washington, DC, Lillie Pope of Washington, DC, Phyllis Ewing of Pulaski, TN; brothers, Albert (Doretha) Pope of Bowie, MD, Oscar (Audrey) Pope of Lockport, IL, and Phillip (Kim) Pope of Huntington, MD; 8 grandchildren, Deanna Cameron, Constance (Brian) Bryant, Ronald Cameron, Gregory Morgan, all of Chattanooga, TN, Joseph Stevenson of Atlanta, GA, Moya and Bria Morgan of Birmingham, AL, and Trey Suttles of Chattanooga, TN— Rosa adored all of her grandchildren, but Joseph held a special place in her heart. She was the first person to hold Joseph when he was born, and one of the last she spoke to; 12 great-grands; 6 great-great-grands, and a host of nieces and nephews! special friends, Mrs. Florodene Wilson, Mrs. Pearl Sanders, Mrs. Amelia Williams, Mrs. Christine Hicks, *Mrs. Geraldine Smartt, *Mrs. Alma Moore, *Mrs. Charlene Webster, *Mrs. Sally Johnson; *Tennessee Beautician Barber NT Association (extended family); devoted cousin, Roland (Ann) Pullen; other relatives and friends.
Public viewing will be held on Thursday, May 29, from 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church on Friday, May 30. Interment will be in Forest Hills Cemetery.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.