She was born on December 21, 1942 in Sumter, South Carolina to the late Sophie Scarborough Peterson and Edmond Scarborough.  At an early age, Rosa Marie Scarborough united in marriage to the late Jerry Mitchell Willis in Sumter, SC on April 4, 1959. To this union, Rita and Glenn were born. Rosa was a devoted military wife and mother who traveled with her husband until his retirement from the Air Force in 1979.

Rosa started her career at the Cameron Station Virginia Base Exchange working as a cashier until the base closure in 1988.  She then transferred to Andrews Air Force Base where she worked until 2007 achieving the position of Reorder Associate. With 32 years of service, Rosa retired after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Rosa, having a personality of not being idle and trusting in the Lord for her health and strength, returned to work in 2009 intermittently until her health declined in 2016.

Sister Willis was one of the founding members of Antioch Baptist Church of Clinton and some of the beginning services were held in her home. She received Christ and rededicated her life to being a committed Christian in 1977, striving daily to learning more about the WORD and to live according to the Biblical Teaching of God's Holy Word. While visiting the Holy Land, the highlight of her trip, was being baptized in the Jordan River.

Deaconess Willis was a dedicated and faithful member of Antioch.  She was a kind and giving member and always spread her love to everyone. Rosa served on many ministries, to include: first chairperson of the Deaconess Board, Sunday School Teacher, Ministers Wives, Kitchen Committee Chairperson, Prayer and Praise Coordinator, Soul Winner, Missionary Hospitality Committee, Benevolent Committee, Youth Ministry-Sisters' United,  Pastor's Aide Committee, Prison Ministry, Coordinator for the distribution of funds and baskets for the widowers and needy during the Holiday Seasons, and a frequent speaker at Future Care Pineview. Deaconess Willis was a faithful participant and supporter of Antioch's Vacation Bible School, Women at the Well, and our weekly Bible Study.

Deaconess Willis was always on the battlefield for our Lord and Savior and loved to Praise the Lord in her testimony and daily walk. She received the title of Church Mother from the youth during the Youth Ministry's tenure of Rev. Gerrod Tyler.

Deaconess Willis leaves to cherish her memories: daughter, Rita Willis; son, Glenn Willis; grandson, DéAnte Haggerty-Willis; two brother-in-laws: Stevie Bryant (Gerri) of PA and Shelton Bryant of OH; six sister-in-laws:  Kay Riveria (Chico) of MD; Peggy Bryant, Jean Thompson & Sandra Barghen of NC; Darlene Drennon of NY; Robin Ross (Herman) of PA; two nephews: Herb Davis (Jessye) & Carl Davis; great nephew, Brandon and great niece, Briana of NJ; adopted sons: Joseph Brown (Deneen) & Tito Lockwood (Evelyn); adopted daughters: Mae Givens (Leon), Daisy Sowls (Ashley), Annette Toye, Khallia Flowers, Patricia Sanders of SC; three godsons:  David Rollins, PA; Keith and DJ Lewis of MD; special friends:  Christine Hill, Calvina Page, Mattie Degraftereed, Carolyn Simmons, Cecile Connors, Jean Horace, Gertrude Mays and Gloria Tyler; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her Antioch family.