by Sherri Jackson
Rosa is better known to her family and friends as “Madea” born in Brooksville, Fla. on October 1, 1915, to the late Lige and Daisy Scrivens Cole who we refer to as “Papa and Mama.” She had one sister Laura Cole who preceded her in death who had one daughter Bernice Washington (deceased) and one daughter Annie Ruth Roberts who she both raised.
Rosa was educated in the Hernando County School System. Her education was limited due to her working alongside her parents to make a living because of poverty! However, with God’s help and her strong determination Rosa overcame poverty with limited education and she reached her goals in life which is a great accomplishment!!!
She later married Roush Ingram (deceased) and to this union one amazing daughter Elouise Ingram Anthony (deceased) was born. Rosa is the grandmother of seven beautiful grandchildren: Maxine, Mack, Robert, Louis (deceased), Johnny, Barbara, and Anthony (deceased). She has 21 loving great grandchildren, between 50 and 60 great-great-grandchildren, between five and 10 great-great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Because of Rosa and her only sibling Laura, one large, blessed family was created!!!!!
Rosa loves her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and attending church! One of her many favorite bible verses is: Malachi 3:8 “Will a man rob God of tithes and offering!” She always honored God with her tithes and offering! She strongly believed throughout her life if you honored God by putting him first, he would always provide!!! Rosa was a member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. K.E. Rodgers was Pastor for many years. After her husband Roush Ingram’s death, years later she married Willie Brown Sr. At this time, she became a member of Josephine Street Church of God for about 25 years. Following his death, she moved her membership back to St. James Missionary Baptist Church, with Rev. David Stewart, Pastor and Rev. Geno Booker, Assistant Pastor.
Rosa spent most of her time being a Proverbs 31 Virtuous woman!! She was a caring wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother who raised generations of children. Around 80 years ago, Roush and Rosa Ingram established the foundation of the Ingram family home on Wiscon Road in Brooksville, better know as “The Ingram Settlement.” During this time, Rosa embarked on her career as a Professional Maid. Throughout her career she worked for many wealthy prominent families in Brooksville (Hernando County). The last prominent family was the Turners, owners of the Turner Funeral home. She was not only their maid, but she also became a part of the family known to them as their “Nana” for the Turners’ children and grandchildren until her retirement.
Because of God Almighty, Rosa’s greatest accomplishment is to celebrate 107 years of life with her blessed family and friends!
