Rosia N. Baker's Obituary
Rosia Lee Nelson Baker was born on December 11, 1948, in Birmingham,
Alabama, to Lee Anna Nelson and Mose Simmons. The firstborn of eleven children, Rosia naturally grew into the role of matriarch, providing unwavering guidance, strength, and support to her siblings throughout her life.
In 1966, Rosia married Walter Baker, and together they welcomed their first
child, Candiace. Seeking greater educational and career opportunities, they
relocated to New York, where Rosia became the proud mother of two more children, Mary Simone and Moses Lloyd. Following Walter’s passing, Rosia carried on with resilience and devotion to her family until she found love again. In 1984, she married Roy Sanders Sullivan, and from this union, her youngest child, Royell, was born.
Rosia’s greatest joy and purpose were caring for her children and ensuring they were prepared for successful lives. She firmly believed that education and hard work was the foundation of opportunity. While raising her family, she built a distinguished professional career in administrative and public service roles. She worked as a medical secretary for over 15 years. Then she dedicated more than 25 years to the New York City Human Resources Administration, where she served as an Eligibility Specialist and ultimately retired as a manager in 2009.
Committed to lifelong learning, Rosia pursued her education part-time while working and prioritizing her family. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from CUNY York College, followed by a master’s degree in public administration from Marist University in 2010.
In retirement, Rosia devoted herself to her faith, her church community, and
her role as a loving and supportive grandmother. In 2016, she embraced a new
chapter by relocating to West Palm Beach, Florida, leaving behind cold winters
for sunshine and leisure. She delighted in traveling, shopping, fine dining, casino outings and staying active through water aerobics. Known as a true foodie, she enjoyed savoring life’s pleasures and sharing joyful moments with those she loved.
On January 24, 2026, on the evening of her mother’s 96th birthday, Rosia was
peacefully called to her heavenly home. She now watches over her beloved children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and a host of family and friends as their guardian angel.
Rosia was preceded in death by her parents, Lee Anna Nelson and Mose Simmons; her husbands, Walter Baker, Roy Sanders Sullivan, and Joseph Spann; and her siblings, Richard Nelson, Eva Nelson, James Nelson, Jacqueline Nelson, Ernest Nelson, and Demetrius Nelson, all of whom welcomed her into eternal rest.
Rosia is survived by her children: Candiace Baker of West Palm Beach, Florida;
Mary Simone Baker of Atlanta, Georgia; Moses Lloyd Baker of Newburgh, New York; and Royell Sullivan-Green of Brandywine, Maryland; as well as her son-in-law, Ernest L. Green Jr.
Her grandchildren also survive her: Myles Hernandez (Alyssa Hernandez),
Kristian Terrell Barnes, Brittany Dawn Baker, D’asia-Miracle Denham, Kam’ron Tyler Baker, Shamori Baker, Jayden Baker, Jayna Rose Baker, Joshua Roy Green, and Eli Ernest Green; and her great-grandchildren: Olivia Rose Hernandez, Austin Hernandez, Carter Royce Baker, Cody Baker, Kayden Lindsay, Khelani Barnes, Kairo Isaiah Barnes, and Kingston A. Baker.
Rosia is further survived by her siblings, including Carolynn James, Rosetta “Nell” Robinson, Milton “Dave” Nelson, and Willie “Rone” Nelson; her dearest cousin, Willie James Simmons; and many others whom she cherished deeply.
Her legacy of strength, love, faith, and dedication to family will live on in all who were blessed to know her.
Virtual Attendance
Zoom Meeting Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85032717363?pwd=ybOalJMVJBu7FboVCvbF9foODhPagD.1
Meeting ID: 850 3271 7363
Passcode: 394357
Virtual Service will begin at:
12 pm (11am for our Chicago Family)
What’s your fondest memory of Rosia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rosia?
Share a story where Rosia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rosia you’ll never forget.
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