ROSA BIRDEN, daughter of the late Henry Flood and Flory
Belser-Flood was born on October 15, 1926 in Summerton,
South Carolina.

ROSA was one of 12 children who all preceded her in death;
Robert, Tom, Clayton, Florie, Flagner, Theresa, Retta, Elijah,
Nettie, Mae and Lonie.

She departed this life on January 11,2019.

She was educated in the public school system of South Caroli-
na and at an early age she was baptized at Taw Caw Baptist
Church in Summerton, South Carolina.

In 1943, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Elbert Lee
Davis, Sf. and from this union they were blessed with two
children, Elbert Lee Davis, Jr. and William Lee Davis (Fats).
Rose moved to Baltimore in the 1940s where she was em-
ployed as a seamstress until 1956.

"In 1956, Rose became a free, independent, self-sufficient black
woman and should be remembered as the ultimate hustler and
soldier. She continued her journey of fmancial independence
by hosting weekly card games at her home and writing num-
bers. These endeavors lead her to meet some interesting people
along the way (we won ' t name name s ) . After quitting the
numbers game she focused solely on her weekly card game and
this allowed her to purchase her first home with cash money.
(Sh e n e ver lik e d cr e dit)

Rose loved to dress and drive fancy automobiles. She was a
pillar in her community of South Baltimore where she exer-
cised her charitable nature. Rose would feed the neighborhood
and anyone who came through the doors of 133 W. Cross
Street. She also helped a lot of families that were in distress or
fell on hard times by paying their rent, putting families up in

hotels, or just giving them money to help with their struggles.
These acts of kindness defined her.

Rose as a family person was the best grandmother ever. .. her
grandchildren's hero and the perfect partner to their mothers.
She supported her grandchildren throughout their walks of life
with a passionate, kind, firm and loving heart.

She would simply move mountains for her loved ones. For
example the late Lee Davis was taken to Las Vegas at a young
age by his step-father against his mother's approval. Rose
boarded a plane and flew to Las Vegas and brought him back
horne to his mother and father where he belonged. She also
supported her grandson Derek in his time of need.

She helped provide a moral and spiritual foundation to her
family although she was not a church going woman. (She left
that to her niece Susie) Rose believed in God and would
constantly drop little spiritual jewels on everyone whether
through a joke, riddle or just straight raw in your face!

Lastly, she taught the ones close to her how to be self-suffi-
cient, strong, independent black men and woman, by setting a
... fine example. She would always say, " God Ble ss the child
that ' s got his own . " and God Bless you Rose, for being our
Hero, our confidant and leader.

Rose leaves to celebrate her life, one son Elbert Lee Davis, Sr.,
three loving grandchildren, Duane (Boo), Derek and Tefanie
(Arnold) and one sister-in-law, Shirley Flood. She was preced-
ed in death by her late husband, Joseph Birden, son William
Davis and her grandson Elbert Lee Davis, Jr. There are seven
great-grandchildren who also celebrate her: Lavera, Wayne,
Arneer, Atiyya, Asia, Kayla and Malia, one great-great grand-
son Elijah and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives,
friends and a devoted niece and close friend Susie Ferrell.

Viewing Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Friday, January 18, 2019 04:30 PM - 08:00 PM Email Details 2140 N. Fulton Ave
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Directions Funeral Service Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Saturday, January 19, 2019 10:00 AM Email Details 2140 N. Fulton Ave
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Funeral Service will begin @ 10:30AM Directions