Rosa Etta Johnson, affectionately known as “Rosie,” of Tulsa, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on July 14, 1938, in Okmulgee, Rosie lived a life full of joy, love and laughter, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Rosie was preceded in death by Orrin, her husband of 50 years. Raised in a large, tightknit family, she was the daughter of Willie Williams and Bernice Gentry Williams Redd and a beloved sister to Alberta, Roberta, Fay, Lavada, Clifford, Roy, Virginia, George and Sharon. Rosie was preceded in death by her parents and many of her siblings, but her legacy lives on in her surviving sisters, Levada Redd and Sharon (Tommie) Gregg, as well as her sons, Reginald (Renee) and Kenneth (Teesia) Williams; grandchildren, Tiffany Williams, Christina, Christopher and Haven Williams and great-granddaughter, Makayla Alexander, and she also lived to see her great-grandson, Ruakh, born on June 10, 2025.
A proud graduate of the Historic Dunbar High School in Okmulgee, Rosie had a successful career, spending 22 years with AT&T’s Western Electric, and she concluded her work career with an additional 10 fulfilling years at Walmart. Even after retirement, her zest for life never waned.
Rosie’s delighted in traveling coast to coast, solving puzzles, navigating technology – particularly her July 14, 1938 – June 20, 2025
beloved iPhone – and nurturing connections with loved ones far and wide. Her German chocolate and pound cakes were legendary bringing joy to every family gathering.
Rosie’s vibrant spirit was evident wherever she went. “If there was laughter and joy in a crowded room, you’d find Rosie at the center,” a testament to her infectious humor and boundless kindness. As a devoted matriarch, she was fiercely loved and respected by her family and friends.
Her deep faith led her to become an active member of several churches, including Metropolitan Baptist, Good Samaritan Baptist and Park Avenue Baptist churches in Kansas City, Mo. After returning to her beloved Oklahoma, she spent her later years attending St. Matthews Baptist Church in Okmulgee.
A celebration of life is scheduled Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Baptist Church, 1001 E. Chicago St. in Okmulgee, with Pastor McKinley Rice eulogizing. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, July 4, 2025, from 1-4 p.m.
The family has been cared for by House of Winn – Okmulgee.
