Rose A Lodge

Rose Alexandria (Frazier) Lodge affectionately known as Rosie, Red, Grammy, and Ms. Rose was born to Earl Matellus & Susie (Lowrey) Frazier on February 13, 1929. She was the fifth child of eight Alexander, (Earl & Clarence who passed as children), Pauline Lewis, Rose, Robert, Leon, and Emmet.  Rose was the last surviving sibling. 

Due to Susie Frazier’s untimely death, Rose at the tender age of 7 along with her sister Pauline was put into foster care where they moved about but ultimately lived with Richard & Willy Penn. She attended Gillespie Elementary School, DuSable HS and Wilson Jr College. It would be years before reuniting with her brothers. 

It was at the Penn’s home where she and Melvin Cullen Lodge married on August 22, 1948. From this union came five daughters. Phyllis Ann, Patricia Apryle, Paula Annette, Parris Anita Joyce, and Priscilla Adele. Eventually she also became reunited with her brothers.  

As a newly married couple their first place of residence was in the town of Cicero, IL. Unfortunately, they were chased out due to racial discrimination where they then moved to 61st and Greenwood in Chicago, IL. Their final move to Maple Park community in Chicago, IL was where they raised their family and put down roots for many years to come. 

As a result of reuniting with her brothers it was not unusual for Rose and Melvin to have jam sessions in their basement with the accompaniment of Rose’s brothers Robert aka “BeBob”, Leon and Emmet. When they weren’t jammin they were having deep discussions/debates on history or reciting poetry, singing and/or telling jokes for hours.  

Rose had a lot of interests. She loved the arts and worked as an usher at the Oriental Theater, along with her sister Pauline Lewis and Cousin Jean Kimble, in the late 40’s. During this time she met several celebrities which sparked her interest in acting. As a result, she enrolled Phyllis and Patricia in acting school as children. As a young person she would make and design clothes for her dolls. She loved to crochet making afghans for all the grandchildren upon the arrival of each child, crocheting love into each stitch. She also made scarfs and gloves for whom ever needed them. But of all her talents her cooking/baking skills were unsurpassed. Her culinary ability was a masterclass that can’t be duplicated. Rose’s respect and admiration for the culinary art extended beyond her ability to make “from scratch” fresh breads and pastries. The grace she carried in the kitchen as a provider of sustenance extended to and beyond the home. The kitchen, when she finished cooking, was as clean as when she started. This was her core belief, that cleanliness was next to godliness.  

Rose worked for the United States Environmental Protection Agency, (USEPA) for 35 years, finishing with the Agency as a “Program Specialist”. After retiring from USEPA she volunteered at Metro South Hospital formerly known as St. Francis Hospital. She also worked for Echo-Joint Arrangement as a Paraprofessional/teacher’s aide in South Holland, IL from 2012 – 2016 for children with special needs. It must be mentioned that many is the time she simultaneously worked other odd jobs in addition to whatever job she currently held to make certain that her family never did without. Suffice it to say, family was paramount to her. It helped her to find the voice she felt she had lost as a foster child.  

Rose is survived by her five daughters. Four granddaughters, DaVina Lanese, Creana Alexandra, Naimah Sabree, and Sarah Elizabeth. Six grandsons, Johnathan Melvin, Michael Daniel, Joshua Dion, Sterling Edwin, William Francis, and Saleel Saeed. Five great granddaughters, A'Shanti Damoenic, Nevaeh Parris, Aleena Rain, Evangeline Cherie, and Miracle. Five great grandsons, Ormond Pierre, Dalan O' Dell, Ayden O' Dell, Credence Rashad, and Noble Rashad. One great great granddaughter, Ariana Renee. Two son-in-laws, Willie Sykes III, and Thomas Edwin. 

May we all remember that Rose was the ultimate mother. She had a passionate love for Christ and a servant to many. Her love, devotion, contributions, loyalty, commitment, and dedication to family surpassed any of life's expectations. Her legacy will live on in all of her children forever.. 

Pallbearers: Willie Sykes III, Thomas Edwin, Johnathan Melvin, Michael Daniel, Joshua Dion, Sterling Edwin, William Francis, Saleel Saeed and Ormond Pierre.