Rosie Jones

Obituary of Rosie Marie Jones

Rosie was born into Time on December 12, 1965, in Philipp, Mississippi to the union of DeWitt and Rosie Starks. Rosie accepted Christ at an early age and her unwavering faith was proclaimed at the family's place of worship, the Swamp Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Within the confines of the church, her mother, a devoted choir leader, instilled in Rosie, the youngest of ten siblings, a profound love for music and worship. Becoming a choir member was a sacred act of service, a heartfelt devotion she wholeheartedly embraced. Rosie's educational journey commenced in the welcoming halls of local community schools, starting with Riverview Elementary School, followed by West District Junior High, and culminating at West Tallahatchie High School. Her dedication and hard work paved the way for her graduation in 1985, earning her a scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, Mississippi. After her successful tenure at Tougaloo, Rosie continued to pursue her passion for education at Xavier University of Louisiana, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, in Pharmacy, in 1990; subsequently earning her professional RPh designation. Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to the University of Michigan in 1998, where she earned a prestigious certificate in Executive Management. In 2019, Rosie reached yet another educational milestone by completing her Master's Degree in Business Administration and Management at Indiana Wesleyan University, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to personal and professional growth. During her time at Tougaloo College, Rosie was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Psi Chapter in the Fall of 1985. She held a deep affection for the sorority, and her heart resonated with its signature colors, Crimson and Cream. Rosie was a steadfast advocate for Delta Sigma Theta's community projects in Indiana, actively contributing her time and dedication to their various initiatives. Her commitment to service extended to the Sorority's 2023 National Convention in Indianapolis, IN. She volunteered her efforts with enthusiasm, embodying the values of sisterhood and community which Delta Sigma Theta holds dear. Rosie moved to Indianapolis and joined Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical Company in June 1990, initially working as a Clinical Research Associate. She loved everything about Lilly, she was proud of not only her work but also that of her colleagues. While at Lilly she made many friends, and being a member of The Fab Five (Stephanie, Terri, Brooke, & Shirley), and the people she worked with on the Chorus team. Rosie enjoyed 33 years of service with her Eli Lilly family. Rosie Jones's contributions to Eli Lilly are too numerous to list, but most notable include: 90-95: Clinical Research Associate; 95-97: Team Leader Clinical Development Organization; 97-99: Team Leader, Medical Affairs, Endocrinology; 99-2000: Clinical Process Lead, Product Team; 2000-2004: Clinical Project Manager; 2005-2006: Team Leader, Regulatory; 2007-2014: Clinical Research Coordinator; Chorus 2014-2017: Advisor, Next Generation Drug Development; 2017-2022: Senior Director, Chorus; 2022-2023: Executive Director, Chorus Shortly after her arrival in Indianapolis, Rosie joined the Oasis of Hope Baptist Church. She faithfully served in ministry including Adult and Youth Education and as a Church Trustee. Her dedication extended beyond the church, as she also proudly served on the Board of Directors for Oasis of Hope Dollars for Scholars. In 1996, Rosie was united in Holy Matrimony with Stanley Jones at the Oasis of Hope Baptist Church, Indianapolis, IN. To this union was born two children, their beloved daughters, Symone and Raven. Rosie's heart swelled with pride, by showing enthusiastic support. To their friends, she was affectionately known as "Mrs. Rosie or Momma Jones", a second mother whose warm presence was a source of comfort and love. She enjoyed taking their friends under her wings and providing career and life advice. Rosie's zest for life encompassed a love for exploration through travel, and cherished moments with family and friends, the enrichment of literature, and the enchantment of live concerts. Her commitment to nurturing relationships extended to her family and friends, her devoted Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sisters, her esteemed colleagues at Lilly, and her cherished Oasis of Hope family. Her heart overflowed with compassion, a driving force behind her selfless acts, which she endearingly referred to as 'planting a little seed.' Rosie possessed a remarkable ability to identify unmet talent needs and ardently strived to fulfill them; turning aspirations into reality for those she touched. Rosie, the guiding light of our family, assumed the role of orchestrating our annual gatherings, demonstrating her exceptional leadership and organizational skills, leaving a legacy of unity and memorable moments. Rosie enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, reading and concerts. She always made time for family and friends, her Delta Sigma Theta Sorors, Lilly colleagues, and Oasis of Hope Church family. She was very compassionate and enjoyed doing for others, she would call it planting a little seed'. If she saw a need, her goal was to fill that need and make it happen for that person. Rosie was our family leader to step up and coordinate our annual gatherings. Rosie was preceded in death by her mother, Rosie Lee Sanders Starks and father, Dewitt Starks. Rosie entered into Eternity on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 5:22 a.m. Rosie leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband of 27 years, Stanley; daughters, Symone' and Raven; nine siblings: Lorenzo (Dale), Patsy, Emma (Spencer), Dwight, Florenda, Archie (Kim), Emmanuel (Sheila), Gloria, and LueMetra; an aunt, Fannie Sanders-Bryant; an uncle, Eddie Starks; three sisters-in-law: Irma Maxine, Mary (Victor), and Beverly; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends. Visitation 10:00 am - 11:30 am Friday, September 29, 2023 Oasis Of Hope Baptist Church 1701 E. 25th Street Indianapolis, Indiana, United States 46218 Omega - Omega Service 11:30 am Friday, September 29, 2023 Oasis Of Hope Baptist Church 1701 E. 25th Street Indianapolis, Indiana, United States 46218 Funeral Service 12:00 pm Friday, September 29, 2023 Oasis Of Hope Baptist Church 1701 E. 25th Street Indianapolis, Indiana, United States 46218
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