Simpson, Rosa Lee's Obituary
Rosa Lee Wells Simpson was born on March 3rd, 1929, to the late Sam L. Wells and the late Georgia Vicks Wells in Amite County, Mississippi. She was the 2nd child of seven children born to their union.
After her mother passed away in 1943 and her father's passing in 1964, she and her siblings were separated from one another. The other siblings finished school in different places. Since Rosa was fourteen when her mother died, she left and went to Jackson, Mississippi and lived there for 6 months. Afterwards she came back and got her brother John, and moved to Hammond, Louisiana living with her Godmother Miss Millie Carter. She worked and enrolled her brother John in public school, where he completed his secondary education.
In 1945, she met Eddie Myles, and they were married in 1947. To this union, four children were born: Betty L. Myles, Eddie Myles Jr., Charles Edward Myles and Ronald Jeffery Myles. In 1950, Betty was born and Eddie Myles migrated to California seeking better job opportunities to support his family. Soon enough, he found a job working at Mare Island Shipyard in Vallejo, CA, and sent for his wife and daughter in 1951. From 1952-1956 three sons were born: Eddie Jr, Charles Edward and Ronald Jeffrey. When Ronald was 6 months old, she began working at Marin General Hospital in San Rafael, CA and was there for 9 years. After living in Vallejo, CA for 10 years, she and Eddie Sr. divorced and moved to San Francisco, CA, Potrero Hill District for 5 years.
In San Francisco, she met Rev. Albert Williams and his wife Isabella Williams, becoming a member of his church, Sunshine Baptist Church. In 1963 she met Sam Simpson Jr. and they were married later in 1965. They purchased a home in East Palo Alto, CA and she moved her church membership to Second Baptist Church in San Mateo, CA when Rev. Albert Williams became the new pastor at Second Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member for over 40 years. Over the years she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and was the Sunday School Superintendent over the years. She was also a devoted prayer warrior for many.
In Jan 2000, Rev. Albert Williams passed away, and the church was under the leadership of the new Pastor Rev. Cornelius Smith. In July 2000, she was ordained as a deacon and then was called to the ministry and accepted the higher calling from God. In October 2004, she became an ordained minister.
During that time, she worked at Stanford Hospital for 1 year. In 1974, she accepted another position at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation where she later retired after 27 years of service.
Rosa leaves in her legacy her daughter Betty L. Anderson of Stockon, California. Two sons- Charles Myles and daughter-in-law Carolyn Myles of Fremont, California, and Ronald Myles of Youngsville, Louisiana. Another daughter-in0law, Debra Allen of Charlotte, North Carolina. 13 grandchildren, 32 Great Grandchildren, and 4 Great Great Grandchildren.
What’s your fondest memory of Rosa?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rosa?
Share a story where Rosa's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rosa you’ll never forget.
How did Rosa make you smile?

