Rosie Mae Williams

Rosie Mae Williams was born on April 14, 1946, in Tutwiler, Mississippi, to the late Priscilla (Provine) Ratliff and Pat Ratliff. She was the seventh of eight children. She is preceded in death by her brothers JT, Frankie, and Freddie, and her sisters Rowena, Lela, and Gertrude. Rosie accepted Christ at an early age at Whitfield Baptist Church in Tutwiler, Mississippi.

Rosie received her formal education in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where she met and later married the love of her life, Frank Williams “Boogee”, on August 22, 1966. Together, they migrated north in the late 1960s and were the proud parents of three children: Carolyn, Andrew, and Diana. Frank preceded her in death.

She became a devoted member of United Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Emeritus Dr. Wilson Daniels and, currently, Pastor Michael J. Faggett.

Rosie was feisty, giving, outspoken, and an extraordinary cook. Her greens, fried chicken, banana pudding, and sweet potato pies were legendary—dishes that brought joy to everyone blessed to taste them. She loved cooking for her family, friends, and co-workers. Rosie also enjoyed reading, dancing, and crocheting. Every grandchild and great-grandchild received a handmade blanket from her after birth, a cherished symbol of her love.

Rosie dedicated over 20 years of service to St. Anne’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, as a Certified Nursing Assistant until its closing in 1988. She later retired from West Suburban Hospital after 30 years of caring for the sick and elderly with compassion and commitment.

Known in her younger years as “Bally,” Rosie was also affectionately called “Nana,” “Willena,” and “Anna Mae” by her grandchildren. In her later years, she was recognized by her long, beautiful hair, often worn in a braid over one shoulder.

On Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 10:05 a.m.—Palm Sunday and her husband’s birthday—God called her home.

Cherished Memories

Rosie leaves to honor her legacy her daughters Carolyn (Craig) Williams and Diana Williams, and her son Andrew (Sandra) Williams, who preceded her in death on June 16, 2026. She is remembered with love by her grandchildren Torrence Williams, Tramone Wakefield, Tevin (Quyanna) Williams, Keith Murray II, and Tatianna Williams.

She is also remembered by her step-grandchildren Gabrielle (Jeremy “Free”) Becerra, Alexis (Christopher) Becerra, and Joseph (Wendolyne) Becerra.

Her great-grandchildren Tye K. Williams and Tru C. Williams, along with her step-great-grandchildren Isiah Becerra, Javeah Washington, Christian Trinidad, Giovanni Becerra, and Sioma Chavez, to carry forward her memory. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Annie Ruth Parish-Leflore (Cleophus), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.