Remembering the Life & Legacy of Sister Rosette Tabb Graham

President of Women In Service Everywhere (W.I.S.E.)
Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society, Inc.
September 23, 1954 – December 23, 2020

The Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society, Inc. announces with deep sorrow the passing of Rosette Tabb Graham. Sis. Graham departed this life on December 23, 2020. She served the Lott Carey family in many capacities over the years, and until her passing, as President of W.I.S.E.

In her own words, as published in the Winter Lott Carey Herald, December 2019, Sis. Graham shared her passion for missions and women’s rights: “Being involved with WISE keeps me informed about the concerns of women around the world and allows me to keep Lott Carey informed so we can walk beside women and always be in prayer for women.” Prayer was a constant for Graham and a powerful tool as she grapples with a host of unsettling questions related to injustice facing women. “We have to be very careful when we go into a country and talk about issues dealing with women because in many countries the issues we’re dealing with are not against the law,” says Graham, who has led missions’ trips to New Orleans after Katrina, Liberia, Sierra-Leone, Ethiopia, and most recently Kenya.


The Lott Carey family joins me in extending heartfelt sympathy to the family of our Sister and fellow soldier of the cross, Rosette Tabb Graham, who loved God and God’s people regardless of their location. Not only did she bear her burden in the heat of the day, but she also shouldered the burdens of thousands of her father’s children in advocating and interceding on their behalf. May the heavenly angels received our sister from her labor. Rest in peace, your race is won.

Reverend Gregory Jackson
President, Lott Carey


Sister Graham’s warm personality was inviting and comfortable, which aided in meeting the many challenges of her leadership position. She wore her title with pride and respect, and was extremely supportive of my work as Chairman, Board of Directors. Her approach was always one of inclusiveness, never promoting any personal agenda. She was thorough in her work performance, respected by her peers who valued her opinion and suggestions.

I am reminded of my absolute delight in December 2019 when Ms. Graham accepted to serve as Chairperson for the Installation Service of Reverend Emmett Lafayette Dunn, the sixth Executive Secretary-Treasurer during the 123rd Annual Convention. I was confident that she would produce a stellar memorable event.

Ms. Graham’s service and contributions to Lott Carey extended far beyond W.I.S.E. into Lott Carey across the board; therefore, her mere presence and professional demeanor will be missed for years to come. The annals of Lott Carey will no doubt record Ms. Graham’s contributions to missions and her dedication to making life better for humankind as unparalleled.

Reverend Dr. John M. Alexander
Chairman, Lott Carey Board of Directors


Sister Graham will be remembered as a woman of faith and vision. An extraordinary servant leader with a deep passion for missions and a strong advocate for women. She had an uncompromising commitment to her church (Alfred Street Baptist Church) and pastor Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley. We were so excited to serve together in Lott Carey’s leadership. Her life was a reflection of the ONE she served.

Reverend Dr. Gina M. Stewart
1st Vice President, Lott Carey

Reflecting on the life and legacy of President Rosette Graham, I am reminded of her love of music and serving on the mission field. Like a hymn of praise, her passion for ministry was orchestrated by God. With a rhythm and rhyme uniquely her own, Sister Graham loved the Lord. Engaging, encouraging, and empowering women was how Rosette touched lives with transforming love. As a mission-minded leader focused on the good news, global needs, and the great commission, she served the Lord with gladness. In October of 2019, on our last mission immersion together in Kenya, her heart was joyful as we toured the Women’s Empowerment Center. I can still see the glow of love radiating from her spirit as she embraced the children at the orphanage. As we ascended into the clouds to visit a Lott Carey church high in the hills, I remember her gratitude for the gift of freshly picked coffee beans. Singing and dancing with the Maasai tribe is how we celebrated the completion of our mission immersion. I am grateful for the time we spent as sisters in Christ serving the Lord. Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me-will forever be remembered as Sister Graham’s song of praise.

Reverend Dr. Angelita Clifton
1st Vice President, Women In Service Everywhere – Lott Carey


Rosette Graham was a gift to God’s people. She personified the missional lifestyle, making sacrifices at the expense of her wellbeing. Her word could be trusted and her commitment unmatched. Lott Carey has lost a giant of a missionary. Rest eternal, and may light everlasting shine upon her.

Reverend Emmet L. Dunn
Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Lott Carey


Public Viewings:

Monday, January 4 @ 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Alexander Pope Funeral Home
5538 Marlboro Pike
Forestville, MD 20747
301-568-4100

Tuesday, January 5 @ 11:00am – 1:00pm & 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Alfred Street Baptist Church
301 S Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22304

Wednesday, January 6 @9:00am – 10:45am
Alfred Street Baptist Church

All COVID-19 protocols will be observed.

A Private Family Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 @ 11:00am

Live stream on alfredstreet.org, YouTube & Facebook Live