Rosemary Daniels

Born to the late Eli and Elizabeth Harris in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the name’s sake of her grandmothers, Rosa and Mary; Rosemary Harris entered this world and began her journey toward fulfilling God’s purpose for her life on June 26, 1942.

Destined to become a pioneer for education Rosemary’s early years of schooling were spent in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Along with her cousins Geneva and Robert Bedford, Rosemary moved to Portland, Oregon in 1953 where she continued her early education at Woodlawn Elementary School. Rosemary was studious and remained focused throughout her years of schooling; yet made time for extracurricular activities such as cheerleading for the football team and playing the violin. Just as the violin serves as an essential part of musical compositions across genres, Rosemary would go on to serve as an essential part in the lives of many.

In 1960 Rosemary was one of the George W. Carver Princesses who rode the Economical and Social Science Assn. float that won a prize with civil rights theme featuring Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and ballot box. She was also a Les Femmes Debutante. Rosemary received the Jefferson High School “Marked Proficiency Award” for Student Secretary in June 1961 and graduated in that same year. Rosemary was extremely accomplished, highly esteemed and remained committed to education; a Student/Teacher at Martin Luther King, Jr. Llewellyn Elementary Schools and the Principal at Abernathy, Brooklyn and Edwards Elementary Schools.

Rosemary received her Master of Science in Education in 1980, a Masters from Warner Pacific, a Doctorate from Portland State University, and a Doctor of Theology from the A.L. Hardy Academy of Theology. A true advocate for higher education, Dr. Rosemary Daniels remained dedicated to the field of education and was employed with Lewis and Clark College, Portland State University, and later retired as a Senior Principal Adviser from Concordia College on June 30, 1996.

Education wasn’t just Rosemary’s profession; it was her life-long ministry. She began diligently serving as the Vice President for the Department of Higher Education in 1974, along with Brother Stan Killingsworth and Brother Cliff Durousseau. A steward that was both educationally and financially sound, she later established the Elizabeth Jackson Scholarship Fund that has funded the education of many youths connected to Emmanuel “Temple” Church and the Full Gospel Pentecostal Association/Church and Fellowship of Churches. She was a pillar of the church that served faithfully as the head of the Finance Department, FGPA National Women’s Project Coordinator, National Women’s Supervisor, and on the Board of Trustees. Rosemary also served as a Missionary, an Elder, and Mother in the church.

She was a loving wife of 44 years to the late, beloved Alfred Leonard Daniels, Sr., and to their union was born a son who they loved so dearly, Alfred Leonard Daniels, Jr. Never self-aggrandizing, but always exceedingly bright, compassionate, and humble; Rosemary’s greatest accomplishment was her love for God, her family, and God’s people. Her unfailing, never compromised mantra was “STILL TRUST GOD,” and we were often reminded by her in song that she felt “Good, good, good, I feel good down in my soul. There is something about living for Jesus that makes me feel good, good, good!” She poured into so many and loved unconditionally. Whether she was supporting her brother Michael’s achievements and sporting events or helping to buy his first new car; ministering in the nursing homes or to the lady in the wheelchair at the park; extending a financial blessing or care package to a college student; taking care of a loved one who was unable to care for themselves; it was all done in love and with a sincere heart. She was an unselfish humanitarian that impacted the lives of many. Rosemary exemplified the values that were poured into her by her mother. These same loving, caring values had an impact on her only son, Alfred (“Al”), Jr. This same love and care are what Al, Jr. extended to and surrounded his mother with during good health and in sickness; unconditionally just as she had always extended to him.

Fulfilling the will of God and the call on her earthly life, Rosemary answered the appointed call from God to transition from this life to life eternal on a significant date, July 9, 2022, the birthdate of her beloved mother, Elizabeth Jackson. A legacy of educational and financial stewardship, love, and an example of how to genuinely live a Christ centered life is the gift Rosemary leaves her son: Alfred Leonard, Daniels, Jr.; brother: Michael (Veronica) Jackson; sisters-in-law: Marsha E. Walker, Kathleen Y. Daniels, and Linda A. Richey; brother-in-law: Richard B. (Gloria) Daniels, a host of relatives, church family, and friends.

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