Rosie Mae Holtzclaw, born June 20, 1940, in Chatsworth, Georgia, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, in her home at the age of 85. She was the daughter of the late R.L. Carlock and Louisa Mae Davis. Rosie was preceded in death by her beloved daughters, Shelia Ann Carlock and Brenda Holtzclaw, who she cherished deeply.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion through her surviving children: James Lewis Carlock, Loretta Holtzclaw, Sibyl Colburn (Greg), and Karen Merrick (Randall). All of whom loved her deeply; her adoring grandchildren, Misty Hughes (Robert), DJ Nixon, Brandi Jones, Adam Colburn, Cody Casey, and Jenny Thornberry, who were an immense source of pride and joy in her life, as well as her many great-grandchildren, siblings, and numerous extended family members.
Rosie had a passion for life, with a particular love for tending her vegetable garden. Her green thumb was matched only by her nurturing heart, as she adored children and babies. Her dedication to her family was unwavering, having lovingly and single-handedly raised her six children and later helped to raise her grandchildren. A devoted member of the Baptist faith, Rosie found strength and comfort in her belief and her love for the Lord. She was known to be a kind, generous, and good-hearted person, always putting others first and making the world a better place with her quiet strength and warmth.
The day Rosie passed, nurses visited her at home. They told her son it was time and as they checked her heart, he held her hand, and her spirit went to be with God. Her son looked up at her and let her go in peace, telling her it was okay to go. That she had cared for everyone else her entire life, and it was her turn to have some fun. He wanted her to have her adventure in heaven. He whispered in her ear to find a little lake and log cabin to sit by and be with Jesus. He told her the girls loved her, that he loved her, and that he would be with her soon. One of the nurses made a joke, “not too soon,” and he thought he’d heard Rosie laugh. Her children thank the Lord for receiving their mother and for loving her. They are eternally grateful to God for showing them His love though the grace of their mother. Praise be to God.
A private interment will take place at Lindale Cemetery in Linda, Georgia.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Rosie Mae Holtzclaw.
