rosie lee anderson strong
1917-1981
Life Story
Early Life and Parentage
Rosie Lee Anderson was born in Mississippi August 18, 1918. She was the daughter of John Selby Anderson and Sarah Anderson. Her early childhood was spent in Jasper County, Mississippi, but by 1930 the family had relocated to Beat 4 in Newton County.
Growing up in the Anderson household, Rosie Lee was the eldest of several children, including Minnie Lee, Selby T. Anderson, and other younger siblings. As the oldest daughter, she likely assumed responsibilities early — helping raise siblings and contributing to the stability of the family home during the difficult economic years of the Great Depression.
Marriage and Family Expansion
Around 1938, Rosie Lee married Damascus Strong. By 1940, the young couple had settled in Forest, Scott County, Mississippi, where Rosie worked as a housekeeper while caring for their growing family. Their first known child, Viola, was already in the home.
By 1950, the family had relocated to Ruby Avenue in Hattiesburg, Forrest County. During this period their household expanded significantly to include Sarah Mae, R. D., Rosie, and Damascus Jr., among others.
Her obituary ultimately recorded a total of ten children — six daughters and four sons — a large and multigenerational family that would later stretch from Mississippi to California and Michigan.
Legal Challenges and Resilience
Public records from Forrest County Chancery Court reflect marital difficulties during the mid-1940s. Court listings from June 1946 and September 1949 show Rosie Lee Strong filing for divorce from Damascus Strong. These cases were later dismissed.
Despite these legal challenges, the couple remained married, and Damascus Strong, Sr. is listed as her husband in her obituary. These records illustrate both the strain and endurance within the marriage — a reality faced by many families navigating economic hardship, migration, and the pressures of mid-twentieth-century life.
Community and Faith
Rosie Lee was deeply rooted in her faith community. She was a dedicated member of Trueway Holiness Church in Hattiesburg and was also affiliated with the Order of the Eastern Star.
Her church involvement reflects both spiritual commitment and civic engagement. In African American communities of the era, church membership and Eastern Star participation often signified leadership, mutual aid participation, and social standing within the community.
Death and Legacy
Mrs. Rosie Lee Anderson Strong passed away on December 11, 1981, at Forrest General Hospital at the age of 64.
Funeral services were held at Trueway Holiness Church, with Rev. Abraham Yarbrough officiating. Interment followed at Pineview Cemetery. Hayes Funeral Home handled arrangements.
She was survived by her husband, Damascus Strong, Sr.; ten children; 29 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and her three sisters — Minnie Lee Linsley, Lela Mae McGowan, and Flora Lee Jackson — along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.
Rosie Lee’s life reflects the journey of a Mississippi woman who moved from rural Newton and Jasper County roots to an urban Hattiesburg setting, raised a large family, endured personal trials, and remained anchored in faith and community service.
Resting Place
Pineview Cemetery, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 – 1950 Federal Censuses
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
- The Newton Record, Beddie Anderson Obituary, Wed, Dec 01, 1982 ·Page 34
- Hattiesburg American, Rosie Strong Obituary, Fri, Dec 17, 1982 ·Page 2
Leave a Reply