Her Life, Her Love and Her Legacy

Rosalia was loved greatly by her family who mourn her passing with deep sorrow but celebrate the accomplishments of her life with joy.  Her unwavering faith, constant encouragement, and nurturing spirit were among the priceless gifts she gave us.  Her unconditional love for her family will always be a part of those who had the joy of receiving it.  We were blessed.

Born February 3, 1917 in Raleigh, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Charles Jolly and Rosalia Edmondson Jolly.  She attended the Raleigh public schools, receiving her collegiate degree from Shaw University in that city and did graduate study at Columbia University, New York, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

A dedicated classroom teacher who loved her work and related well to students, she taught in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System at Northwest Junior High, Smith Junior High, and East Mecklenburg Senior High.  She will be remembered for her committed service in other North Carolina communities: Sixth Avenue High, Hendersonville; Nash County Training School, Nashville and Carver High School, Mount Olive.  She also taught at Charles Loos School, Dayton, Ohio and Carona International School, Lagos, Nigeria, West Africa.

Rosalia participated actively in several ministries at First Baptist Church-West.  She served as a leader or supporter on the Board of Christian Education, Girl Scout Committee, Archives Committee, Sunday School Class #4, and Missionary Group #4.  She was also instrumental in developing materials and brochures for various ministries.

She contributed ten years in working with the church youth who were stimulated in their spiritual development and communications skills for participation in the Third Sunday Morning Worship Service.  Through her work with those teens in the 1980's, she touched the lives of many adults in the present church congregation who fondly recall their experiences in speaking from the pulpit.

Other affiliation included membership in Alpha Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Charlotte Chapter of Links, Inc., The Les Savantes Social Club, The Monday Bridge Club, The Metrolina Duplicate Bridge Club and The Hyde Park Community Association.

Rosalia and Spencer were married for 63 years before Spencer left his earthly bonds on October 3, 2003.  Two sons, Spencer, Jr. and Reginald; her only sibling, Mabel Jolly Mosley; and grandson, Spencer III, also preceded her in death.  Mrs. Durante passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at Levine and Dickson-Huntersville.  She was 103.

Survivors include her son, Dwight Charles; four grandchildren, Dawanna, Quantae, Christopher, and Mabel Elizabeth; five great-grandchildren, Madison, Preston, Kheris Skye and Khari Paige; and daughters-in-law, Gloria, Ernestine, Karen, Dora and Kelisha.  Rosalia appreciated the loyalty of neighbors and friends who brought much happiness to her life.