Rosie Mae (Yates) Nance

Sister Rosie Mae Yates Nance, affectionately known as Rosa, a beacon of faith and joy to all who knew her. Born on October 25, 1959, to the late Eddie Albert Yates, Sr. and Evia Johnson Yates in Lawrence County, Alabama, Rosa's journey on this earth came to a peaceful close on August 12, 2025. She was a woman of unwavering faith, a loving mother, a devoted partner, and a cherished friend. A proud 1979 graduate of Hazelwood High School, Rosa's work ethic was as strong as her spirit. She dedicated 21 years of service to the TJ's Sewing Plant, where her diligence and warmth were felt by all. Her commitment to community shone brightly through her involvement with the Eastern Stars, where she cultivated lifelong bonds and served with grace.

Rosa's Christian faith was the cornerstone of her existence. She was a dedicated member of the Everdale Missionary Baptist Church, lifting her voice in the choir and living out her faith with every note she sang. Her participation in the Determine Voices Gospel Group for 22 years was not just a pastime, but a ministry through which she touched countless lives. Rosa's love for gospel music and her commitment to spreading God's word were inseparable from who she was. She never hesitated to share her favorite saying, "Praise the Lord Saints! God's not dead; He's alive! I come from a noisy crew!"

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Eddie Albert Yates Sr. and Evia Johnson Yates, her son, Don Nance, Jr., and her siblings, Norma Yates, Hattie Yates, Jessie Yates, Kenneth Yates, James Yates, and Earnest Turner.

Left to treasure Rosa's memory is her lifelong partner of 21 years, Willard Pernell Goodloe, who stood by her side in unwavering support and love. She was a guiding light to her three faithful children, Stacy Nance Jackson (Jacques), O’Neal Nance, and Jessica Nance. Her legacy continues through the lives of her five adoring grandchildren, Malachi Jackson, Marquez Jackson, Kaniah Winston, Knowledge Hayth, and Wisdom Hayth. Rosa's memory will also be held dear by her siblings, Sally Yates, Albert Yates, Jr., and Carl Yates, as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, and many friends who were blessed by her presence. Rosa's legacy will continue to resonate through the lives she touched, the songs she sang, and the faith she lived out loud. Her spirit, now free, sings with the heavenly choir, leaving us with memories that will echo in our hearts forever.

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