Rosa Lea (Hammons) Coryea

Rosa Lea Coryea ( née Hammons)  died peacefully in her Southside Indianapolis home on Saturday, March 3rd, 2018 after two months of home hospice care. She and her late husband, Walt, built their home in 1955, and it was always her wish to remain at home in her final days. Her youngest daughter, Carole, and youngest granddaughter, Michelle, had lived with her for many years, and were grateful to be able to care for her in her final months. The joy she brought to her family and friends through her 90 years of life is tremendous.

Rosa Lea is survived by her children, Alva, Sandra, and Carole. Her grandchildren include Christina, Scott, Jennifer, Jamie, Melena, and Michelle. Rosa Lea was blessed with 10 great-grandchildren as well.  Rosa Lea also leaves behind her siblings, Roberta, Barbara, Jerry, and John. She is preceded in death by her mother, Jessie, her father, Robert, her sister Joy, her brother Marshall, her husband, Walter, and her eldest daughter Sheree.

Rosa Lea was born on June 28th, 1927, in Rush County, Indiana to Robert Lafayette and Jessie Adeline Hammons. The eldest of six children, she left school when she was in 8th grade to take care of her family when her mother became ill, and her selfless love for her family remained a common theme for the rest of her life. She first married shortly thereafter, and gave birth to her eldest child, Alva in 1944. In 1947, she married the love of her life, Walt, and began living on the south side of Indianapolis. They had three daughters together, Sheree in 1951, Sandy in 1958, and Carole in 1961. Upon Carole entering grade school, Rosa Lea began her career as a school bus driver for Perry Township and Rise Learning Center. Rosa Lea loved and cherished her four children along with the many children who touched her life through her service as a bus driver.

Anyone who knew Rosa Lea knows nothing could stop her vivacious energy. She loved to garden, quilt, and create pictures thread-painting bunka embroidery. The friendships she made during her time as a school bus driver lasted the rest of her life, as she routinely had plans to meet the ladies for breakfast or lunch each month. She and her siblings and extended family made it a point to come together and visit each month as well. Rosa Lea was also an active member in her church, Mount Pleasant Christian Church of Greenwood, Indiana. Ms. Coryea very much enjoyed working in the nursery and serving as a greeter in the ambassador ministry for over 15 years.

A funeral is scheduled for March 9th, 2018 at N. F. Chance Funeral Home at 504 National Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227. The visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 12 p.m., with the service starting at 12 p.m. Pastor Tony Gonzales will officiate the ceremony. Flowers of all kinds are welcome, and the preferred florist is Jockish Flowers at 2636 East Street, 46225, (317) 787-2247. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Rosa Lea’s life.

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