Rosa Lee King

Rose Lee King (nee Barrett) Obituary

Mrs. Rosa Lee King, age 87 transitioned peaceably on November 25, 2024. Known fondly in the Eastern North Carolina area by family and friends in her profession as Barrett, King or ”Time” a name given to her by her brothers because she was always running late.

Born to the union of the late Simon Barrett and Mary Lee Patrick Barrett on June 17, 1937 in Pitt County.

Rosa Lee graduated from WH Robinson Union in Winterville, NC; later returning to become an Educator there. She earned a Bachelor’s degree of Education at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, NC. She taught school for over 45 years in the Pitt and Lenoir County School System until her retirement. Upon retiring, her desire was still focused on education, so she began teaching Adult Education at Pitt Community College. Rosa Lee was a people person, always willing to strike a conversation with a former student, co-worker or anyone who would be willing to smile and just have a listening ear. She never met a stranger.

At an early age, Rosa Lee joined the Corey’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and worked faithfully until her health began to decline in such roles as the Church Secretary/Announcer, Usher, Delegate, Foreign Mission Worker, Building Committee Chairperson, Former Youth Leader & whatever area of service she could be a Servant. She was well known for her banana pudding, cakes and playing solitaire.

Her parents were farmers but stressed the value of education. During the summer breaks, Rosa Lee would always find time to help with gathering the crops of tobacco and vegetables. Embodying work was a joy to her.

In 1973, Rosa Lee married the love of her life Walter Barnes and to this union one son Winfred Algernon Barnes was born on February 2, 1974.

Later, Rosa Lee was blessed to find love again after the transition of Walter and marry Osborne King. All preceded her in death in addition to her parents, brothers: Robert Barrett, Klifton (Dickey Boy & wife Delores) Barrett, John Henry (Skip) Barrett and her Sister Helen Ruth Barrett Pinder and husband Marvin. Sadly, her only child Winfred Barnes passed away on December 24, 2014.

She leaves to cherish her memories are grandchildren, Kamaia & Broderick Barnes of Knightdale, NC; special nieces, nephews, cousins whom she had an awesome relationship with and a group of special friends that she considered as family. She was so loved by her family and friends.

Following a graveside service, remembering Rosa Lee in the presence of close family, she will be laid to rest in Bucktown, MD on December 11, 2024.