Obituaries

Sewell Mortuary in Grantville respectfully announces the passing of Johnnie Walt Rosser.

Funeral service is July 12th, 11:00 AM at St. Paul CME Church in the Grantville GA

INTERMENT: St. Paul C.M.E. Church Cemetery

Johnnie Walter Rosser, Sr. lived a wonderful and full life with much love. He was the 8th of 11 children born to John Walter Rosser and Lillie M. Perdue Rosser. Johnnie was born in the Zion Hill Community, a place he loved to go riding through every chance possible. He remembered every little turn even until his passing.

He called the Brooks Rd. community home for many years. He passed of natural causes.

Dad loved his children, family and his friends. A close relationship with his children brought comfort and joy for each of them. He always asked how his grandchildren were doing and called them by name. He knew all his siblings children’ names, where they were born, where they lived and often told stories of them, even things done in their childhood. He was lovingly the family patriarch. He had a wealth of friends who still stopped by to talk with and listen to him, particularly the young men around 17D…Curt, Lamar, Bennie, Leroy, Willie, Robert, Johnny and so many others. He so enjoyed their company after he moved back to Hogansville. They were protective of him and respected his word. Fiercely independent, he lived alone until his health began to fail just two (3) months prior to his passing. He maintained his hope of being able to go to his home again. His last visit there, seeing the guys as they came to the car to see him, made him happy.

Dad loved his gospel music, particularly the male chorus’ of St. Paul and Zion Hill. He would always speak of the days in which his group, the Mighty Evangelists, would travel all around singing the gospel. He was quite happy when he was able to visit his church. He was not a worrier and he would tell all “God didn’t bring me this far to leave me”. And, he meant it. He would follow that with “the Lord will make a way”.

Dad was preceded in death by his mom and dad, all of his siblings, his wife Grace Blount Sewell, sons Willie George Sewell (Annie Denson Sewell), Steve Williams and his daughter, Linda Rosser Oliver (passed in Feb. 2017) and a very special friend and loved one, Geraldine Caldwell Jackson. Loving him still are his children Johnny Rosser, Jr., Annie Cato Haigler and Michael Hall; 10 grandchildren, Tim Sewell (Maria), Nicholas Sewell, Demetrius Rosser (Alexis), Johnathan A. Rosser, Jesse L. Haigler, Jr., Kathryn O. Haigler, Milton (Beamon) Moore, Anthonio Oliver (Binh), Darryl Hinesman, Chequalyn Rosser, , and his sister-in-law Gladys Rosser. He was blessed to be loved dearly by his nieces and nephews Willie Mae Harden, Marvin Beasley (Betty), Ronald Rosser (Peggy), Gary Rosser (Brenda), , Winston Rosser, Wanda Rose Rosser, Larry Shields (Carol), Timmon Hill, Angela Rosser and Mary Ellen Rosser Lee. He still maintained a loving relationship with the children of Geraldine: Franklin (Cynthia), Pat Ward, Helen Lovett, Fred Caldwell and granddaughter Nicole Rowell (Ed}. He was fondly their “Pops”. He leaves 15 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren. There are special thanks to Willie Mae, Marvin, Treena Shields and Kelvin Beasley, who gave great care and comfort to him.

Never having been sick in his life, he adjusted well and quickly to his brief hospital and nursing home stays. Again, he would say “the Lord didn’t bring me this far to leave me”. He had that kind of spirit. He was faithful in his love for God. He was faithful in his belief in the work of his church and the power of Jesus Christ. He was faithful in expectation of things to happen. He often said “I’m not perfect, but I serve a perfect God. He’s been good to me and he’s brought me from a mighty long way.”

His steadfast faith has supported all of us. He has been a father, uncle, friend, warrior and a musician. Through it all, he has given light, strength, encouragement, peace, love and laughter. His quiet, generous spirit and soft chuckle has helped so many over rough spots. God has now helped him to move over to his appointed place, at his appointed time. As in living, his passing was peaceful and spiritual. We are so very grateful to have been a part of his journey.

He was/is a Rosser and loved each of us.

Thanks be unto God for His grace and peace upon Dad. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Professional services provided by Sewell Funeral Homes. http://www.sewellfuneralhomes.com