Rosaleta Patricia Sewell Ponders, 73, of Orlando, Florida departed this life on Saturday, February 25, 2023. Rosaleta Patricia Ponders was born Rosaleta Patricia Sewell on May 10, 1949 in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, Jamaica. Her family and friends knew her as Rose, Ms. Rose, Mummy, Rosie, Auntie Rose, and Grandma Rose. She is survived by her sons, Robert, Neil and Andre; grandchildren, Christopher, Philip, Kyeda, Kelyse and Myles; greatgranddaughter, Cherish; along with four brothers, andmany nieces and nephews.
She attended Morant Bay Primary School in Jamaica, and after graduating, she later became a seamstress. She was so great as a seamstress, she could look at your clothes and tell if it did not fit right. She would say, “Hey give me that no, me can fix dat.” She would literally fix your clothes in just 5 minutes or so.
It was in St. Thomas, Jamaica that she gave birth to her children, Robert, Neil, and Andre. There, she began her journey later as a single mother. She was not a perfect mother, but she tried to be the best as she could be. In 1985, she had the opportunity to travel to the United States of America through the help of her closest brother, Ronald Sewell, and she then resided in Florida. She later ensured that her sons came to America to be with her for a better life.
Grandma Rose passions were for cooking, baking, crocheting, and most of all, and earnest love for the Lord. Upon visiting her house you could smell the sweet and savory Jamaican cooking in the air, and you could always expect to get something tasty and delicious to eat while she either played Jimmy Swaggart sermons on her TV, or listened to her favorite gospel songs from Grace Thrillers, Mahalia Jackson and others. You could also expect to read prayers on her walls that she would write in the best penmanship ever. She was also a giver, and she would donate to her favorite missionaries who spread the gospel across the world.
Family and friends who knew her will remember her as a fun and loving woman. She was jovial, and also a natural comedian. She would make you laugh with her funny stories from the past. She was also one of the best dancers; she loved her Calypso music, and her grandchildren enjoyed watching her groove to the dance moves of her time. Some of her favorite music to dance to were from Byron Lee and the Dragonaires and Mighty Sparrow.
On February 25, 2023 the Lord took our beloved Grandma Rose home. She will always be remembered with love in our hearts. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 9:00 AM until services begin at 11:00 AM, Grace Bible Church of Central Florida, 801 Dorscher Road, Orlando with Pastor Gene Pritchard, officiating.