A
Celebration of
Life
In Loving Memory of Mrs. Rosa Compton Jacobs
Opening Musical Selection “When the Saints Go Marching In”, Hymn with Lyrics.................................................................... Click Here for Music
A Poem for Rosa: “I’m Free” Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free I’m following the path God has laid you see. I took His hand when I heard him call I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Oh yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee God wanted me now; He set me free.
Obituary Mrs. Rosa C. Jacobs, the daughter of the late Willie Compton and Rosetta Wooten, was born December 5, 1940, in Winnfield, Louisiana. She accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at Morning Star Baptist Church in Winnfield, Louisiana, by the late Reverend H.Y. Bell. On June 25, 1976, Rosa Compton married Bishop Fred D. Jacobs Sr. She was the mother of four children. In 1958, Rosa graduated from Pinecrest High School in Winnfield Louisiana. She attended Grambling State University, Grambling, LA and Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Graduated from Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in Education. Rosa also attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where she earned her master’s degree (+30) in Education. In the early 1960’s, Rosa began her teaching career in Bossier City, Louisiana. Her journey as an educator led her to Winnfield High School in Winnfield, Louisiana from the mid-1960’s through the early 1970’s. Her next stop was Atlanta High School in Atlanta, Louisiana from the early 1970’s through 1977. The final stop on her journey was at Peabody Magnet High School, Alexandria, Louisiana from 1977 to 1998. Over these years, Rosa shaped young minds by teaching a variety of subjects including English, Mathematics, History, Social Studies, Data Processing and Typing. In her final years, she led a Cooperative Office Education (COE) Program that was designed to place high school seniors in business office jobs and allow them to earn both high school credits, business skills and experience, and money. Over her career, Rosa earned “Teacher of the Year” honors on three (3) occasions, once at Atlanta High School, and twice at Peabody Magnet High School. Some of Rosa’s affiliations included: Treasurer of Morning Star Baptist Church in Winnfield, Louisiana, Member of Easter Star at Morning Star Baptist Church in Winnfield, Louisiana, Member of Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church in Alexandria, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Rosa C. Jacobs transition into eternal life commenced Monday, October 18, 2021, at home in Lilburn, Georgia. She passed away peacefully in her sleep. Her father, Willie Compton, mother, Rosetta (Wooten / Compton) McWright, and two brothers, Charles Compton and Felton Compton, preceded her in death. Rosa is survived by one (1) daughter, Tracey M. Fontenot, Lilburn, Georgia; three (3) sons, Bruce D. Keels, Alexandria, Louisiana, Medgar V. Jacobs, Houston, Texas, and Fred D. Jacobs II, Dallas, Texas; one (1) sister, Willie Compton Blackwell; three (3) grandchildren, Kristen C. Fontenot, Ryan P. Fontenot, and Jordan A. Jacobs, and a host of relatives and friends.
The Lives Rosa Touched (The following is a hand-written letter from one of Rosa’s students)
May 23, 1983, Dear Mrs. Jacobs: I have had many experiences in learning; but I must assure you that learning with you as my instructor has truly been a rewarding experience. You have pushed and showed me until I had no choice but to learn all I could. I must tell you, Mrs. Jacobs, that I deeply appreciate the help and encouraging words you so often gave me. T hroughout my college life, you can be assured that I will put to use everything you taught me. By doing so, I am sure to be a big success. I will always remember the many lectures you have given us, and I do appreciate them. Friends always, Sandra Grimes P.S. See! I remembered how to write a letter. Aren’t you proud of me?
😊
Musical Selection “Precious Lord”, sang by Mahalia Jackson.......................................................................................... Click Here for Music
Scripture Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Moment of Reflection Please take a few moments for silent prayer, and/or reflection on your memories of Rosa
Musical Selection “Alone in Brewster Bay”, by Minnie Riperton.................................................................................... Click Here for Music
Inspirational Quote “The loss of a mother can never be replaced, but the love of a mother can never be lost”
Eulogy (A Tribute from Rosa’s Children) Dearest Mama, we are honored to be your children. You loved us before we even knew what that meant. You worked hard so that we could have a better life. You grew up in a time in our country’s history when it was quite difficult for both Black’s and Women. You struggled and overcame. You sacrificed. You carved out a place in this world for yourself and your family. You were strength personified. You were grace & kindness personified. You were the standard to which all humans should aspire. You taught your children to love God and obey his word. You taught us to think for ourselves. You taught us the value of education, and you worked to make sure we all had the opportunity to pursue our dreams. You instilled self-confidence and respect for others into our character. You whooped our butts when we got out of line, and we are so grateful for the discipline you gave. You were our rock, our confidant, our advisor, our partner in crime (prankster), and our most beautiful and beloved mother. Thank you for all the talks, thank you for singing Minnie Riperton and Sam Cooke in the car with us, and reminding us that “old-school” music was great music! Thank you for not telling me (Tracey) how to spell the word “save” when I was five (5) years old. That taught me how to figure things out on my own and to become independent and self-sufficient. Thank you for being YOU! Thank you for teaching us that we are just as smart, capable, and worthy of our place in this world as anyone else. Thank you for being a beacon of light in this world. Speaking of prankster, thank you for telling the bank teller that I (Tracey) was mildly retarded and could be vicious and dangerous. That hilarious incident taught me to laugh at myself and have fun with life. In addition to being a phenomenal mother, and a great teacher, you were an amazing friend. You had lifelong relationships filled with respect, empathy, and altruism. You provided an ear to listen, a shoulder on which to cry, sage advice when appropriate, and anything else that was in your power to help someone you called friend. You are sorely missed. There is a piece of all of us that will never be the same. However, we know that you are in a better place. We want you to know that you live on forever in our hearts, our memories, and in our continued works during our remaining time on this Earth. We resolve to make you proud every day. And we look forward to seeing your beautiful smile and feeling your loving embrace at whatever time God calls us home. We love you Mama!
Musical Selection “Thinking of You”, by Lenny Kravitz................................................................................................... Click Here for Music
A Poem for Rosa: “If Roses Grow in Heaven” If Roses grow in Heaven Lord, please pick a bunch for me. Place them in my Mother’s arms and tell her they’re from me. Tell her that I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for awhile. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there’s an ache within my heart that will never go away.
Celebrating Rosa and Honoring Her Life Our family would like to thank you for your support and prayers at this difficult time. Your words of comfort and expressions of kindness are greatly appreciated. In lieu of an in-person ceremony, or flowers, our family would like you to join us in celebrating and honoring Rosa’s life by helping others. We ask that you make a donation to the Rosa C. Jacobs 2022 Memorial Scholarship Fund. Donations collected will be used to award scholarships to minority and economically challenged students, for assistance with education related expenses, tuition, and fees. CLICK HERE TO DONATE Rosa spent her life loving God and serving others, and she would want us to keep the spotlight away from herself and do something to help our fellow humans.
Final Musical Selection “2nd Line”, by Wynton Marsalis.......................................................................................................... Click Here for Music