Heaven gained a bright light as our beloved Rosalie Tottenham, affectionately called Nini, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and kindness. 

William Henry Stanton and Earnestine Poston Staton welcomed their beautiful baby girl on September 15, 1931 in Navasota, Texas. She attended public schools in Cameron, Texas and graduated Salutatorian from Emmett J. Scott High School in 1947 in Tyler, Texas. Her love for learning led her to Texas College where she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and graduated cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics in 1951. With a desire to become a teacher, she furthered her education and received her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Prairie View College, with honors.

She married the love of her life, Willie Tottenham and to this union was born their only son, a handsome, green-eyed baby named Willie Cleven. Nini taught elementary school in Galveston ISD, retiring from L.A. Morgan Elementary School after 30 years educating young minds. Her love for education and children positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students who still praise her for the influence she had on their lives decades later.

Nini was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman. Like her mother before her, Nini dedicated her life to honoring God and serving faithfully as a member of Reedy Chapel AME Church. She served in various roles, including Youth Director, Steward, Church Secretary, Director of Bible School, member of the Senior Choir and Financial Secretary. Ironically, a lover of elephants, Nini proudly represented her sorority and enjoyed the Beta Phi Omega Chapter where she was honored as a Life Member and Diamond Soror.

Never an ill word spoken by or about her, Nini had a heart of gold, bright smile and sweet spirit that permeated every room she entered. She was witty, gorgeous, graceful, and classy with a bit of sass. She loved driving around the island, shopping, spending time with her family, especially her lifelong best friend and sister, Joyce.  When she finally slowed down, you could find her rocking in her chair, watching television with a Bud Light in hand. 

The matriarch of our family, she lived life in a way that pleased God. She honored her mother’s wishes by being a loyal and protective sister for 93 years. She cherished her only son and adored her granddaughter Tamisha Michelle and her great granddaughter, Angela Monique. They were the lights of her life. 

Heaven gained the world’s most beautiful angel and left an irreplaceable void here on Earth. When she arrived at the pearly gates, her mother, father, son, grandson, Reginald Wayne Tottenham and favorite cousin, Mary Louise Henderson, rejoiced with the angels to receive her. Cherishing the blessing of her life are her devoted sister, Joyce Marie Lacy, her granddaughters, Tamisha Michelle Tottenham and LukeitshaTottenham, great granddaughters; Angela Monique, Zarai Rose, Brittany, Deja, Raven and Zoey, great grandsons; Andreus, Kevaughn, Cephus Jr., Reginald, Tyrone and Zion, eight great-great grand children, bonus son, Mark Haley, nieces, nephews and countless extended family members, church members and loved ones.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rosalie Tottenham, please visit our floral store.