Mrs. Rosa Lee Fort Mays of Syracuse, New York, formerly of Cordele, Georgia, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the St. Joseph Hospital Comfort Care in Syracuse, New York.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the chapel of the J. W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia.

Rosa Lee Fort Mays was a cherished individual whose life journey began on March 3, 1956, in Cordele, Georgia. She was born to Nick Fort and Clara Mae Fort, and she grew up in a loving family environment. Rosa was  educated in the Crisp County School System, where she laid the foundation for her lifelong love of learning and community involvement.

Rosa's spiritual journey started early in life when she joined the Spring Hill Baptist Church in Cordele, Georgia. There, she found joy in singing, and she became an integral part of the church choir. Her passion for music and worship continued throughout her life, and in 1981, when she moved to Syracuse, New York, she joined the New Covenant Church. At New Covenant, Rosa was a vibrant member of both the choir and the praise team, using her talents to inspire and uplift those around her.

Rosa had a zest for life, and she enjoyed activities that brought her closer to nature and her loved ones. Camping, fishing, and traveling were among her favorite pastimes. Above all, she cherished every moment spent with her family. Her love for singing and worship was a testament to her deep faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rosa's family was central to her life. She was a loving mother and grandmother, always putting her family first. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her parents, her son Tellis Fort, and her siblings Clara Collier, Alice "Joanne" Floyd, Bobby Lee Fort, Melvin Fort, and Roosevelt Fort. Rosa transitioned peacefully on January 9, 2025, leaving a legacy of love and faith.

She leaves wonderful memories to her husband, Lawrence D. Mays of Syracuse, New York; her children,  Lynor Fort of Cordele, Georgia, Darius Fort and Edward Fort of Syracuse, New York, and Scottie Fort-Troutman of Reynolds, Georgia; her grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life, Tonijna Ogburn, Tyce Fort, and Alayla Dawson of Cordele, Georgia, Shamya Fort of Warner Robins, Georgia, and Edmauri Fort, Eddie Fort, Zynia Fort, Zykerria Fort, and Sabrina McFarlane of Syracuse, New York; her sisters, Gale (Jonah) Seymour and Betty Fort of Syracuse, New York, and Gloria Fort of Cordele, Georgia; her aunt, Jessie Mae (Elmo) Fuller of Desota, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many sorrowing friends.

Rosa Lee Fort Mays will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her passion for music, and her boundless love for her family. Her memory will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her.