Rosa Lee Simpson

Rosa "Rose" Lee Simpson-Blankenship was born on March 4, 1945 to the late Lillie B. Harris in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Rose was a very energetic and loving child who dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized. 

In 1949 the family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio where Rose continued her education. She graduated from Cleveland Extension High School in 1967 and was listed as the fastest track runner in the state. In 1960, Rose gave birth to a daughter, Mashel Denise Harris and in 1962 a son, Michael Delane Harris, who lived for only 18 hours after birth. 

She was employed by the Cleveland Board of Education as a bus driver and retried after 30 years of dedicated service. Rose met Robert Lee Simpson, Sr. in 1964 and they entered holy matrimony in 1966. To this union, one son was born, Robert Lee Simpson, Jr., who preceded her in death. 

In October of 2006 she married Eric Blankenship and was extremely happy. They loved to travel and even went to St. Louis where they met Miss Robbie of Sweetie Pie's restaurants. 

Rose joined New Fellowship Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. A. L. Mays. In June of 1969 her stepfather, the late Reverend Cornelius Harris, received a revelation from God and founded Second Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. Rose joined and worked by her mother's side in all aspects of the church. She redicated her life to Christ and was baptized again at Second Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Calvin Curtis. Rose later joined Faith Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Dr. Martha Forrest. 

A  public viewing will be held on May 19, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH. The Celebration of Life Services will be held on May 20, 2023, 10:00 AM Wake and 10:30 AM Service at Greater Tabernacle Church, 9417 Orleans Ave Cleveland OH.

Face Mask Will Be Required For Services.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on Rosa's Tribute Wall.