Rosemary Suggs-Watts

Rosemary Suggs-Watts, affectionately known as Rose and Booboo, age 64 of West Haven, CT departed this life on July 21, 2023 at Yale New Haven Hospital. Rose was born on April 24, 1959 in Farmville, NC to the late Ernest Odell Suggs, Sr. and Eldress Thelma Marie Suggs Parker (Stepfather Elder Lee Parker Jr.). She attended New Haven Public Schools to include Wilbur Cross High School. She held employment at New Haven Family Alliance, Temple Radiology, West Haven VA Hospital, and Yale New Haven Hospital. Rose retired from Yale School of Architecture in 2021 after over 20 years of service. She attended Sweet Hope Church where she was a member of the Parker Choir and worked in the kitchen. Rose was known for her seamstress skills. She created everything from her daughter’s 8th grade prom dress to clergy robes. She was also a great cook and baker hosting many family gatherings. One of her favorite events were her Christmas Eve parties where she gathered her children, grandchildren, and godson for the reading of Christ’s birth, sweets, and gifts. Being from North Carolina she also loved to till the ground. You name it, Rose grew it. Rose was the epitome of a big sister. Known to her younger brothers as “Big Little Sister Mother,” Rose was always eager to establish herself as the woman of the house after her mother would leave. Her constant reinforcement of the house rules along with her self-imposed restrictions, ensured that her brothers remained safe, well cared for, and most importantly under her control. She was well respected in the neighborhood always making it clear to others that these were her brothers and that no harm should ever come them. It was equally understood that she was a self-appointed neighborhood watch queen keeping an eye on all the children in the community. During a time when it was well understood that it required a village to raise a child, Rose was one of the queens of the village. She was well respected, loved, and revered by many. She will be deeply missed. Rose was an exceptionally loving mother and all-around family-oriented person. There is nothing she would not do for anyone. She taught her children how to treat people and be successful; not just by the words she shared but, by the example she lived. She ensured her children were well kept and maintained a clean, warm, and loving environment for them. Music from Motown to Gospel always filled the air in the home. Rose was also a great singer. One of the last songs she lead in the choir was “I Won’t Let You Fall” by Helen Miller. The title alone is true to the sentiment of her. When anyone stumbled, just like many mothers, she was there to pick them up or guide them in the right direction. She took care of her children until her final days and would not take “no” for answer when they said they were alright. While her children will miss her dearly, there are a plethora of memories to fill their hearts with joy. Rose leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Erskin C. Watts, Jr. her brothers Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Ernest Suggs (Sandra) of Virginia Beach, VA, Retired Master Sergeant Allen Darden of Irmo, SC, Javis Parker of West Haven, CT; her sister Maerose Parker of West Haven, CT; sons Anthony Toliver, Timothy Toliver, stepson Erskin C. Watts III, daughter Eldress Elizabeth Howard (Deacon Sonchas), stepdaughter Eyana S. Watts, 13 grandchildren and godson Michael Randall. Rose was preceded in death by her father the late Ernest Odell Suggs, Sr., brother Jesse Suggs, maternal grandmother Ethel Mae Darden, paternal grandfather Ernest Suggs, and niece Monica Suggs. Take your final rest daughter, mother, wife, aunt, cousin, friend, and godmother.

Rosemary Suggs-Watts

April 24, 1959 - July 21, 2023