Rosa Mae Barnes

Rosa Mae Barnes was born on November 28, 1946, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Walter and Lillian Watson. After a courageous two-year battle with cancer, Rosa peacefully departed this life on February 2, 2026. Rosa was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and later furthered her education by attending trade school where she pursued training in customer service. Rosa was united in marriage to Joseph Barnes, and from this union came four children: Patricia Barnes, Donald Barnes, Ricky Barnes, and June Barnes. Following her divorce, Rosa made the courageous decision to focus on building a better future for her family, demonstrating strength, independence, and unwavering love as a mother. Rosa dedicated many years of faithful service to the grocery industry. She worked as Head Cashier and Office Assistant at Big B’s, Brown’s, and Food King grocery stores, where she oversaw front office operations and handled daily administrative and management responsibilities with diligence and care until her retirement. In her earlier years, Rosa enjoyed hosting family gatherings in her home, shopping, and visiting with her aunts, uncles, and cousins in New Jersey. She also enjoyed and appreciated the f iner things in life when she traveled to different places. In her later years, March 14, 2024, Rosa accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior, securing her eternal destiny. Rosa found joy in watching westerns, attending Sunday dinners at her niece Kim’s home, spending time with her sister Barbara Ann, taking scenic drives with her niece, admiring beautiful trees, homes, and well-manicured lawns. She also enjoyed going out to dinner, indulging in sweets and loved a cold Coca-Cola. She always looked forward to her doctor appointments not because she liked being poked at, but because she knew that the reward afterwards would be a visit to her favorite restaurant Mission BBQ. Rosa’s life was marked by grace, strength, and quiet perseverance. Her love, wisdom, and gentle spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. Rosa was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Lillian Watson, two siblings Daisy Scott and Starling Watson, two children Patrica Barnes and Ricky Barnes, and one grandson Brian Hassaniafshar. Rosa leaves to cherish her memory: two children, Donald Barnes and June Barnes; her sister, Barbara Higgins; six grandchildren, Nicole Barnes, Erica Cole, Michael Barnes, Jasmin Barnes, Megan Barnes, and Angelica Barnes; along with twelve great-grandchildren. She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Robin Amy, Kim Carter (Caregiver), Tracy Higgins, Melvina Scott, Stephanie Scott, Caroline Telfer, Ricky Scott, and Robert Chandler; and a host of cousins, great nieces and -nephews

Tributes

Rosa Mae Barnes

November 28, 1946 - February 2, 2026