Rosalie Woodard Long Lewis was born, app. 1910, in Winnsboro, SC; was 88 years old when she died of heart failure in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was buried “in Rolling Green Memorial Park in West Chester.” She retired after working for “more than 30 years in the outpatient clinic of the Veterans Administration at Broad and Cherry Streets” as a licensed practical nurse. “After retiring she dedicated much of her time as a volunteer for the VA and the Red Cross.” “Her husband, Delmar Lewis, died in 1989.” Aunt Rosa was active in her church ”St. Matthew AME Church, 57th and Summer Streets.” She was survived by her son, Walter Long, grand children and great grands. (Quotes in italics are from Philadelphia Daily News (PA) Date: December 29, 1998) ♥
Aunt Rosa is the eldest sibling. I remember visiting her Victorian styled home on Pine Street in Philadelphia, meeting cousins Rosemary and Billy and “Guvvy.” I think it was “up north” that I got to see my first cellar/basement. A basement would have been out of the question in New Orleans (NOLA) and uncalled for in Natchez, MS where I grew up. ♥
Conversation with Daddy: Aunt Rosa was first married to Walter Long, a musician, then to Delmar/(Delbert?) Lewis who had lived on Coates Street in Coatesvilles. Her sons are Walter Long Jr aka “Guvvy,” William and George. Daddy recalled the sad loss of George, who was a passenger in a car wreck, nick named “Hippity-Dip” and who was more like a brother of theirs than a newphew. -6/21/08 ♥
