Rose Marie Johnson

Rose Marie Johnson, 81, of Syracuse, New York, made her transition from earth to glory on August 26, 2026. Affectionately known as “Rosa,” she was born on February 15, 1945, in Geneva, New York, to Martha Lee Johnson (Crawley) and Judge Foster Pruitt. Rose was the eldest of 13 children.

Throughout her life, Rose was a hardworking and caring woman. She worked as a Home Health Aide throughout Central New York for more than 25 years before retiring. But caring for others was not simply what Rose did for a living—it was who she was.

If you knew Rose, then you knew she stayed on the go. Sitting in the house for too long simply was not her style. Rose enjoyed being around people, having a good time, and keeping a cold beer in hand. She loved company and made countless connections everywhere she went. Rose lived her life fully and unapologetically, and her presence was one that people remembered.

Beyond the good times was a woman who was a provider at heart. Rose took care of people. Family did not begin or end with blood for her; if Rose considered you family, you were her family. She opened her heart and extended herself to countless people throughout her lifetime, often caring for and providing for others as if they were her very own. Whether someone needed a place to belong, someone in their corner, or simply someone to show up for them, Rose had a way of taking people in and making them hers.

Rose was preceded in death by her mother, Martha Lee Johnson (Crawley); her father, Judge Foster Pruitt; her aunt, Carey Johnson; her siblings, Christene Johnson, Paul Johnson, Cleveland Moore, and Joe Johnson; and her lifelong best friend, Cora Jernigan.

She leaves to cherish her memory her siblings, Mary Giles, Charlamay Moore, Cynthia Waye, David Johnson, Elizabeth (Anthony) Fisher, Abraham Crawley Jr., Paula Crawley, and Roger Lee Crawley Sr.; her beloved children, Joseph Johnson, Paul Johnson, Jimmie (Kari) Johnson, and Tiffany Johnson; and her bonus daughter, Darneisha Davis. Rose was also blessed with 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, as well as countless extended family members, loved ones, and friends who will forever be touched by her fierce and loving presence.

Rose loved the Lord in her own way, and just like everything else in her life, her relationship with God was personal to her. While her earthly presence will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in believing that the God who knew her heart has welcomed her home. Her earthly journey may have come to an end, but the love, relationships, and family she created along the way remain. She has made her transition from labor to reward and is now resting in the presence of the Lord.

Calling Hours wil be Friday, September 4, 2026 from 10AM - 12PM at Living Water Church of God in Christ, 121 Huron St., Syracuse, NY 13207.  Funeral Service will begin at 12PM at the church.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Syracuse, NY.