Rosa Odessa Smith-Brunson

Rosa Odessa Smith-Brunson, affectionately called Rose or Belle, was born in Waycross, Ga on February 14, 1945 to the late Clifford Smith and Claudia Jones. By the time she was 22 years old, she had entered marital life to the late Lee Brunson, Sr. and had six kids, all one year apart.

Rosa worked at Florida's Natural as an Industrial nurse after spending about 20 years working neurology at Winter Haven Hospital. In the early 90's Belle founded an annual scholarship program to benefit graduating high school seniors, encouraging them to attend college.

In 2001, she refused to accept a diagnosis of cancer, instead deciding to fight and endure past the 2 years of life expectancy she was given. Rosa was a woman of faith and she proved that she was fully capable to handle any task set before her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Bobby, sister Leona and grandson Caleb.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, children: Lee Jr (Aorline), David Sr (Tara), Kevin Sr (Karen), Jacquelyn (Vernon), Elizabeth and Myrtis (Dwayne); grandchildren: Kenisha, Jessica, Chandler, Chelsea, David Jr, Stefanie, Catoncea, Kevin Jr, Cana, Chantel, Marcus, Lamar, McKenzye, Whitney, Victoria, Lauren, Brandon and Matthew; 7great grandchildren; and siblings: Mary Ann, Larry, Mae Francis and Ruth.

Private family viewing will be Sunday, February 15, 2015 at 4:00 pm at Marion Nelson Funeral Home, Lake Wales.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 16, 2015 at 12:00 pm at New Divine Church of God By Faith, 640 Burns Ave, Lake Wales, FL.

To view a webcast of this service please click the following link: http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/591547