Rosie Clara (Williams) Hayes was born to John and Minnie Williams on October 5, 1920 in Kirkwood, Missouri. She was the first of three children. Her siblings, Alice and Robert both preceded her in death. Rosie was baptized at an early age at the Harrison Avenue Baptist Church in Kirkwood, Missouri. Rosie met and married Mack Billups in 1933 and to this union was born a son Jimmie Lee Billups. During the Depression years Rosie worked as a domestic for $1.00 a day. Following the start of the Second World War, she first worked at the Independent Packing Company as a meat cutter. Later she was one of the first blacks hired into the garment Industry in St. Louis. She worked in that Industry for 43 years until she retired in 1985 as a presser. Rosie married Walter Lee Hayes in 1975. He preceded her in death. Rosie was a member of the Antioch Baptist Church since the late 1940's. Her Sunday life revolved around this wonderful church under Reverend James E. Cook. She would attend early Morning Prayer service, Sunday School and Morning Service each Sunday. She loved the Lord and never missed Sunday Church when she was healthy. Rosie was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star during the period of the 1940's and 1950's. Rosie was a great cook, seamstress, a practical joker and a wrestling fan. Her favorite hold was the figure 4 leg lock. Her greatest attributes were her love of God and Church and her generosity, she has often given to people on the street, whom she never knew or saw again. She believed strongly in helping those in need. Rosie suffered a stroke, cancer surgery and was moved to Christian Care Home. She departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. She is survived by her son, Jimmie Lee Billups and wife of fifty years, Betty Brown Billups; grandson, David and wife, Tonya Billups and their son Jonathon Conway; granddaughter, Michelle Denise Billups. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Rosie Clara Hayes. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.