Rosetta Gray "Mama Tat" Blanks

The life of gospel extraordinaire and prayer warrior, Sister Rosetta "Mama Tat" Gash Gray Blanks,will be fondly remembered long after her earthly departure. Her family, friends, loved ones, and all whom she encountered along her life's journey are yet able to bear witness to the Godly example she was for both her contemporaries and younger generations alike. Anyone having paid any degree of attention to "Mama Tat's" walk could glean from the excess and overflow of her lifelong labor in the vineyards of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her wisdom and faith were unmatched. She was bold in expressing her love for God, the Gospel of Christ, and Kingdom-living. She professed and prophesied the Word of God even until her last breath.

Sister Rosetta Gray Blanks departed this life and stepped into eternity's paradise on October 20, 2021, at the age of 95 surrounded by loved ones. She was born on Anderson Street in Franklin, Louisiana on September 27, 1926, to Joseph Gash, Sr., and Lynette (Lonnie) Brown. She grew up in the close-knit share-cropping community of Oxford. She was baptized at a young age in the bayou of Martin Ridge, Louisiana by Reverend E.L. Merrick, pastor of Greater St. Stephen Baptist Church. As a young woman, she married Jim Gray, Sr. To this union one daughter was born, Helen Gray-Durieux. Sister Rosetta's quiver was made full as the result of her union to Jim Gray, Sr. She was bonus-mother to seven: Emma, Virginia, Washington, Betsy, Alberta, Jim Jr., and Anna. Their family moved to Baldwin, Louisiana, joining Special Providence Baptist Church because she firmly believed in the Christian tenet of being an active member of the local church. After the passing of her husband, she moved to Franklin, Louisiana as a widow. Because of her steadfast, God-given desire to serve the local body of Christ, she joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Katy and later Higher Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Franklin, where she faithfully served for many decades.

"Mama Tat" worked for many years in the vocation of seafood processing while rearing her family. Although her vocation afforded financial means, God ALONE was her complete provision. Because of this, she never lost sight of the fact that her vocation was separate and apart from her calling, purpose, gift, and passion. She often shared with her family that she was called to "intercede for people, especially the sick." God gave her the platform to do just that—allowing her to touch, know the needs, and pray for a myriad of people from various walks of life. That platform was gospel music! Her gift of voice made room for her to passionately fulfill her calling and purpose.

In 1963, she organized her first gospel group, The Stars of Joy. Later in 1970, she founded Rosetta Gray and the Gospel Chimes. The group ministered for nearly five decades with Rosetta, Joshua McDaniel, Jr., the late Reverend Dr. Willie Jackson, and late Michael Lewis at its core from the group's inception. There were many other faithful singers and musicians that bore the Gospel Chimes' name over the years. While names and faces may have changed over the years, certain staples remained and were often synonymous to the group itself. "Me and Jesus" was one of those main stays!