Rosa Boone Ballard, 94, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 2, 2013. She was a native of North Carolina and relocated to Suffolk. She was the daughter of the late Rose Boone Sharp and John Jackson Boone.

Along with her husband, the late Johnnie Ballard, she operated the Ballard Catering Service for 38 years, which was very successful. During this time she held a full time position at Planters Nabisco Company until her retirement from both.

She was a devoted member of Metropolitan Baptist Church, where she served faithfully on the Dora Missionary Circle.

Rosa’s fraternal and community affiliations and memberships include the Daughter of Elks Golden Gate Temple No. 90, Tidewater Council of PDR’s, Emma V. Kelly Past State Guild, National PGDR’s Council, State Association, State Inner Guard and the Directress of the Arts and Crafts and Birthday departments, Chamber of Commerce, Housing Task Force; Democratic Party of Suffolk and the State of Virginia; NAACP; Crusade for Voters; Independence Voters League and the board of Local 26 U.A.W. Union.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Nora Clary, Naomi Corbett and Ophelia Riddick.

Rosa leaves behind to cherish her memory, sister, Mary McCall; niece, Rosemary Francis; nephew, Norris Francis III; and many other family and friends.

A visitation will take place on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the funeral home. A funeral service will take place at noon Monday at Metropolitan Baptist Church, and she will be laid to rest at Carver Memorial Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy and flowers may be extended to the family at www.cookeovertonfuneralhome.com.