Portsmouth-Rosetta Moss Lowery, 82, of Portsmouth, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Saturday; January 24, 2026. Born on September 14, 1943, in Norfolk County, Virginia, she was the beloved daughter of Carrie and William ("James") Moss.

Raised in a Christian home, Rosetta received Christ as her personal Savior at the age of 13—a decision that would shape every aspect of her remarkable life. Rosetta's passion for education and children was evident throughout her distinguished 33-year career with the Portsmouth Public School System. After graduating from Norfolk State University in 1965 with a degree in elementary education (completed in just three and a half years) and teaching briefly in Washington, D.C., she joined Portsmouth schools in 1966. Her excellence in the classroom earned her the honor of Teacher of the Year twice at Westhaven Elementary School, and she served as grade chairperson for over 24 years. She furthered her commitment to education by earning her master's degree from Old Dominion University in 1980.

In 1976, Rosetta and her husband Winston joined Good News Baptist Church, where they became pillars of faith and service. For nearly 50 years, Rosetta poured her heart into ministry—teaching Sunday school, singing joyfully in the choir, and serving in the bus ministry, children's church ministry, and women's ministry. Her dedication to the church continued faithfully until her illness in November 2025.

Rosetta lived by Acts 1:8: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and in Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the earth." True to this calling, she spread the gospel wherever she went—passing out tracts to everyone she encountered, sharing the plan of salvation over the phone, and talking to others about eternity. In Rosetta's own words, "I have concluded that there is no better thing that one can do than to spread the Gospel and let God be God."

Rosetta was preceded in death by her parents, Carrie and James Moss, Sr.; her sisters, Otelia Williams and Marria Sawyer; and her brother, James Moss, Jr.  Rosetta's memory will be cherished by her loving husband of 60 years, Winston C. Lowery, Sr.; her children, Winston C. Lowery, Jr. and Tyesha L. Smith (Gregory); her granddaughters, Gabriella Smith and Tatiana Smith; her adopted son Jamel Ramage; her adopted daughter, Shinette Bennett (Randy); her brothers, David Moss (Peggy) and William Moss, Jr.; her sisters; Shirley Benn, Estelle Overton, and Courtney Askew (Charlie); as well as her wonderful in-laws, nieces, nephews, adopted grandchildren, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives she touched.

Rosetta will be remembered for her generous spirit, her passion for family and education, and her love for her Savior. Her light will shine brightly in the hearts of all those who knew her.

A funeral service will be held 10:00am Saturday; January 31, 2026 at Good News Baptist Church; 3252 Taylor Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23321.  Viewing will be 1 hour prior to service.  Burial will be in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery; Suffolk, VA.  Please keep the family in your prayers.