Rosie Lee Atchison was born in Mississippi, the second oldest of 27 siblings and half-siblings, but spent most of her astounding 109 years on earth in Chicago’s Bronzeville and Englewood neighborhoods - this included residing in The Mecca Building, The Robert Taylor Homes, and eventually purchasing her own two-flat. She was known as “Big Ma” and lived long enough to see the birth of 5 generations and 202 of her direct decedents: 5 children, 18 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, 95 great-great-grandchildren, and 24 great-great-great-grandchildren.

Rosie grew up working in the fields of Mississippi and attending church before bringing her two children to Chicago in 1935. In Chicago she remarried and worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad until she retired in 1970 after 30 years of service. Rosie and her husband were very active in the community and were known to offer a helping hand to those in need, and kept neighbors safe and fed. They were members of the Greater Salem Missionary Baptist Church, where Rosie sang in the choir.

Honorary Rosie Lee Atchison

South Marshfield Avenue between West 61st Street and West 63rd Street

Approved: March 2021

Ward: 15
Alderman: Raymond Lopez
Neighborhood: West Englewood

b. August 15, 1911 in Bolivar, Mississippi
d. November 23, 2020. Age 109. Chicago

Source