Rosie Lee Woods Evans was born on April 7, 1938, in DeWitt, Arkansas, to the late Willie and James Woods. At the age of five, she moved with her family to Chicago, Illinois, where she would spend most of her life. Rosie was the second of seventeen children and was preceded in death by her siblings: Ronald, Clara, Donald, Rosetta, Ruth, Mary, Marvin, Michael, James, Mark, Beverly, and Linda. Rosie accepted Christ at an early age at her grandfather’s church, Philadelphia Church of God in Christ. Throughout her life, her faith remained important to her as she later worshipped at St. James Church of God and Westside Community Church. She attended Smith Elementary School and Garfield Elementary School before graduating from Cregier High School. As a young girl, Rosie enjoyed playing baseball with her siblings and spending time at the Boys and Girls Club. Sundays they visited Maxwell Street after church services. Rosie began her professional career at Allied Radio, working in the warehouse, then City of Chicago, and dedicated many years of service to McMaster-Carr, where she retired. Rosie met Edward Evans and at the age of 17 the two got married. From this union they had four daughters: Cheryl, Gwendolyn, Carolyn, and Edwina. Rosie’s pride and joy were her family. She shared a special bond with her daughter Gwendolyn in which they spent majority of their lives under the same roof. In addition to raising her own children, she played an instrumental role in the upbringing of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Affectionately known as “G-Ma,” she was the heart of her family. In 2003, Rosie moved her family to Maywood, Illinois, where many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grew up. Rosie cherished bringing her family together and hosted countless holiday gatherings and backyard celebrations filled with laughter, games, music, and her unforgettable stories. Saturday mornings in G-Ma’s house were dedicated to cleaning while her favorite Blues songs played throughout the home, and Sundays were reserved for church and family. Her warmth, wisdom, and nurturing spirit extended far beyond her relatives; “G-Ma” became a beloved figure not only to her family but to friends and all who knew her. Rosie believed in raising her family with strong values, discipline, and love. She ran a tight ship and made sure her children and grandchildren understood the importance of respect, responsibility, and faith. In her home, clothes were ironed and prepared for the week ahead, beds were made first thing every morning, and homework was completed before anything else—even on Fridays. Everyone knew to be inside before the streetlights came on, there was no “in and out” of the house, and the front door was not to be used unnecessarily. Once the kitchen closed at 7 o’clock, it stayed closed. Reading the Bible and attending church were essential parts of daily life. Though she was firm, everything Rosie did was rooted in love and in preparing her family for life. Precious Memories she also enjoyed Gospel and R&B. She treasured visits with her longtime friends Ms. Gertude (who preceded her in death) and Ms. Connie and enjoyed trips to the casino. Rosie also shared a special companionship with her dear friend, Mr. Milas Carson. Rosie spent the last year of her life in Dallas, Texas, with her daughter, Carolyn, where she enjoyed getting her nails and pedicures done, going to the movies, listening to music, and simply enjoying the warm weather. On Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, Rosie unexpectedly gained her heavenly wings. Rosie leaves to cherish her memory: three sisters, Doris (Clifford), Susie, and Roslyn; one brother, Gerald; four daughters, Cheryl (Joe), Gwendolyn, Carolyn (Maurice), and Edwina (Dennis); fifteen grandchildren, Devon, Alise, James (Letitia), Michael (Kristin), Andrae (Miyosha), Cortez, Chaun, Deante, Antonio, Devin, Kierra, Ronnie, Chantelle, JaMisha, and Marcellus; 32 great-grandchildren, Chasitity, Jaylise, Jaliyah, Michael Jr., Alesia, Jhream, Andrea, Mikese, Elijah, Mikhi, Mikayla, Jacobi, Jelani, Maiya, Mylikha, Jordan, Jacey, Essence, Chaun Jr., Marshawn, Juleria, Julius Jr., Devin, Mia, DaMarion, Dream, Devonna, Raelynn, Ronnie Jr., Dejahn, Erick Jr., and L’Erick; 9 great-great-grandchildren; a special person, her caregiver, Ms. Trinette (Arthur); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends.  Shirley Woods Acknowledgement of Cards Throughout her life, Rosie loved playing keno, Scrabble, bingo, spades, and solitaire, and she never turned down a good crossword puzzle. Rosie was also an exceptional cook whose meals brought family together. Her loved ones especially cherished her sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, dressing, greens, goulash, fried fish, and rib tips, just to name a few favorites. Every summer, Rosie looked forward to attending her family reunion, often being one of the first ones at the park. In addition to Blues music,