A celebration of life: Rose Ann Smith-Daniels

Family Genealogy

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

    Matthew 11:28-29

Rose Ann Smith-Daniels was born May 12, 1954 in Austin, Texas to Gertrude Elizabeth Fowler-Smith and Ernest Smith, Sr. She was the middle child, having two older sisters, a brother and the last child. Rose Ann was a twin; her sister died at birth. Rose, Ernest, Jr. and Kaffey were Gertrude’s second set of children. Marie and Dorothy are the oldest daughters.

Getting pregnant, starting a second family surprised us all, including Gertrude herself. I was 13 years old, Marie was 9.

Rose was complex and stubborn, friendly and unfriendly. Her mood dictated her attitude and behavior. She lived life on her own terms no matter the beginning or ending consequences. 

She was a pretty, chubby baby. She had what is called in the Black community “good hair.” I loved combing her hair and dressing her up like a doll.

Rose attended elementary and high school, but did not graduate. She had one daughter, Alicia Smith, her only child, was born November 19, 1971. Rose married twice, the first being to Walter Smith in 1980, and then George Daniels in 1995. No children were born to these two unions.

After years of suffering an illness that finally took her life, Rose Ann died Saturday, October 24, 2020. She lived her life as she saw fit. Rose Ann molded the life she wanted to live. 

Her daughter Alicia Smith-Rucker said, “My mother had no filter”.

Rose Ann at my house

At her memorial a prayer was led by Brion Kimble; scripture readings by Kylel Rucker and Tierra Smith; song selection by Bianca Rucker, remarks were made by family members, closing prayer was led by Brandy Rucker.

Comments of remembrance were voiced by her grandchildren: Brittany Rucker said, “My grandmother was fearless. She was a free spirted woman, and that is what I will forever remember”.

Brion Kimble said: “My grandmother was strong, fierce and fearless”.

Brandy Rucker said: “My grandmother was resilient, and she beat all the odds in life. She was a gift to have, and a joy to be around. She loved her family and her love us what she will be remembered by”.

Relatives that passed on before Rose Ann are her parents Gertrude (2/10/1990) and Ernest Smith (2/24/1986), her brother Ernest Smith, Jr., (5/5/2010), Leora Fowler Sterling (10/4/1982), her grandmother; nephew Terrance Jermaine Smith (9/30/1976), Imogene Fowler Gray (8/24/1961), an aunt, Pearl Turner Powell-Brown (4/28/1959) her great-great grandmother, Horace Banks, Jr. (12/18/2007, a nephew, Raymond Fowler, Sr. (10/31/1977), an uncle, Johnny Mose Fowler, (9/17/1991), an uncle, Mose Fowler, Sr., (7/15/1966) her grandfather, Isiah Fowler, (7/18/1983), an uncle.

Rose leaves behind her daughter, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren to remember and celebrate her life: Alicia Rucker, Bianca Rucker, Brion Kimble, Tierra Smith,
Brandy Rucker, Amber Smith, Kylel Ricks, Brittany Rucker. Great-grandchildren: Jamarion, Jaxin, Jalia, Adrin, Braylon, Jenesis, Brooklyn. Also her sisters: Dorothy Charles-Banks, Marie Charles-Ockletree, Kaffey Smith-Nunn and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

To send Rose Ann Smith-Daniels off to her final journey, balloons were released at 3:30 p.m. at the gravesite of her mother, Gertrude Fowler-Smith. Her ashes were scatted in the same spot.

Rose Ann's immediate family.

Rose Ann with brother Ernest a few days before he died.