~Bio~

Maternal Haplogroup: L2a1e

Rosa "Rose" Lee Grant Clarke Payne Johnson, 74, the nineteenth child born to the late Ezekiel Grant, Sr. (d. 1979) and Adonia Jones Grant (d. 1959), entered into this world on September 16, 1928, in Mims, Florida. Rosa Lee was affectionally called "Rose" by family and Friends. She departed this life peacefully on October 18, 2002.

Rose was converted an early age and became a member of the Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Mims. When possible, she used her voice in the choir.

Rose graduated from Titusville Colored High School and attended Florida A&M College Cosmetology in June 1950.

She married Freddie Clarke, a barber and the couple lived in Orlando, Florida for five years. They later divorced.

In 1956, Rose moved to Syracuse, New York. There she met and on July 25, 1959 she married Albert "Sonny" Zander Payne (d. 1997). Shortly thereafter they lovingly welcomed a baby boy, Darrell Jay Payne into the family. Rose and Sonny's later divorced.

Rosa returned to Mims in the mid-seventies. There she met and married, Thomas "Tom" Lee Johnson on January 4, 1979. She and Tom lived happily until he died on May 8, 1980.

Rose was employed with McDonald Douglas in Titusville, Florida, for several years.

In her later years, Rose was plagued with diabetes. Her leg was amputated.

Rose always had room in her home and in her heart for family and friends. She opened her home to Ricardo Kidd, her great-great nephew. As an infant, he was to be placed in a foster home. Rose not only took him in but raised him from infancy.

From time to time, Rose took in many other family members. They included her sisters: Emma, Mary "Willie," and Marian; her niece Willadean; and her brother Andrew "Johnnie". There were many family members and friends that lived with Rose. That speaks volumes!

Darrell Jay Payne (Darrell I) was born September 8, 1960, in Albion Orleans, New York. He married Julie Payne. Their union was blessed with one daughter: Malyssa. Malyssa has two boys: Darrell II and Jax. Darrell I is deceased; he passed away on July 18, 1990, at the age of 29.