Rosetta Smith

Rosetta Smith was born June 13,1943 in Cleveland Ohio. Her parents Claudia and Howard Goldsby migrated to Clevland, Ohio with her siblings in 1940. As a child she was baptized and attendant Shiloh Baptist Church. She would later become a member of Original Harvest Missionary Baptist Church, Cleveland Ohio. She graduated from East Technical High School, Cleveland Ohio.

She grew up helping her mother and sisters prepare large meals for her 10 siblings and extended family members. She learned about diversified recipes and preparation secrets and in doing so launched her passion for cooking and Rosey’s Kitchen was born. She would go on to cater events of all kinds (Weddings were her specialty), for over 50 years. Catering for numerous organizations, though out Cleveland, such as The City Courthouse, the Mayor’s Office, the Board of Education, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and The Karamu House Theatre, just to name a few.

On July 6,1961 Son Russell Goldsby was born, (Father Ronald Reed). She would later marry Melvin Ross in 1963 (deceased), and from that union on September 25, 1963, Daughter Karen Sheryl Ross was born. She worked several jobs in Home Care Nursing, Dental Assistant, and J & L Steel Mill, where she quickly started preparing lunches and hot meals for the entire crew. But she didn’t stop there, her passion to help others was her gift from God and she would go on the become a faithful member of several Organizations throughout the City of Cleveland Ohio.

She was a member of The National Council of Negro Women, Inc., The Black Women’s Political Action Committee, The Black Caucus of Ohio. She supported the NAACP and Urban League of Cleveland with fundraising and catering events. Her most cherished commitment was being on the Women’s Board for Cancer Survivors, where she spent many years supporting the community impacted by cancer. She also spent time on the Mother’s Board of Mt. Zion Church of Oakwood Village, Cleveland Ohio.

With precious memories she leaves behind, Son Russell Goldsby, Daughter Karen Sheryl Ross-Warmington, Granddaughter Danielle Goldsby, Daughter In-Love, Denyta Gordon, James (Jeff) Johnson, her companion and best friend for many years.

Brothers: Philp Goldsby (Maxzine), Grant Goldsby (Jean), Curtis Goldsby (Inell), Lawrence Goldsby (Annie), Howard Goldsby (Angeline), George Goldsby (Louise), last living brother Wilce Goldsby (Pauline).

Sisters: Velma Price (Kirby), Claudia Smallwood (Leroy), last living sister Thelma Swafford (James).

…and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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