Rosetta "Annie" Atkins

“To everything there’s a season; A time for every purpose under the Heaven. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

The chapter of life for Rosetta "Annie" Atkins began in Hampton County, South Carolina on November 5, 1942, when I was born to the late George Deloach and the late Julia Johnson Graves in Hampton County, South Carolina. At an early age Rosetta confessed Christ as her Savior and joined the St. James Community Church in Manhattan, New York. She served faithfully on the Usher and Trustee Boards until her health declined. She was educated in the public schools of Hampton County, South Carolina.

When a man finds a wife, he finds a good thing. She was joined in holy matrimony to the late Woodrow Atkins until his death in 1980. Their union was blessed with one son, Donnell Graves, who preceded her in death.

Rosetta had an avid love for decorating, cooking, shopping, and listening to gospel music. She found a love for cooking and pursued a career as a culinary chef. In cultivating her passion, she served as a chef for many physicians and many Jewish families throughout the New York Community for many years. During the summer months of the year, she would also come down to South Carolina and spend time with her niece, Bernice. Together, they spent many afternoons at thrift stores and visiting the elderly people at the nursing home. To be in her presence, it would be impossible to not smile or laugh. Her outspoken personality was infectious and made you feel welcomed.

We are in this world for a limited time. This world is not our home, we are just passing through on our way to a mansion that God has prepared for us. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Donnell “Bo Gator” Graves, seven brothers, and four sisters.

She leaves to mourn her legacy: a devoted niece/sister/caregiver, Evangelist Bernice Ellis of Furman, South Carolina; two granddaughters, Donnashia (Keith) Green of Savannah, Georgia, and Iesha Williams of Bronx, New York; three great-grandchildren, Regan Graves, Keith Green, Jr., and Zephyr Williams; one sister, Earnestine Bulloch of Savannah, Georgia; great-aunt, Bertha Williams of Savannah, Georgia; daughter-in-law, Polla Graves of Estill, South Carolina; sisters and brothers-in-law, Inez Graves of Savannah, Georgia, Mattie Graves of Richmond, Virginia, Janie (Sam) Housey of Taraboro, South Carolina, Shirley Jackson of Furman, South Carolina, Daisy Drayton, Willie (Cassandra) Atkins, and William (Bertina) Atkins, all of Charlotte, North Carolina; a devoted niece who was also like a daughter, Regina (Albert) Housey of Pineland; two devoted pastors, Bishop Clemente Soso and Rev. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Crouell; special friends, Laura Alston, Ruby Muller, Debra Alston-Hatter, and Ms. Edna; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousin, and friends

Due to the current state of (COVID-19) pandemic and in order to promote social distancing, anyone entering the funeral home for viewing; as well as attending all graveside or funeral service, either inside or outside, must wear a mask. We will also limit the number of persons allowed to enter the funeral home or any other facility at any given period during the viewing process.  We ask that you leave the premise upon exiting the building. The family is most appreciative to each of you for all acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time in their lives.

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