Rosa Marie Potter Massey, 88, of Denison, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2026, surrounded by the love and care of her family.

Rosa was born on March 2, 1938 in Durant, Oklahoma to Willie and Freida Potter. She was proud to be the only sister to her six brothers: Bert, Thomas, Johnny, Joe, Cecil, and Larry. The family eventually moved to Calera, Oklahoma and resided there for the rest of her childhood. Rosa enjoyed singing and was active in her school’s glee club and choir. Upon high school graduation, Rosa attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University and funded her education by working for a local dentist.

Rosa developed a love of learning as a child, citing that her elementary school teachers, “…were always caring and made me feel special and important.” These early interactions with educators left a lasting impact on Rosa. While serving as a Sunday school teacher in college, she discovered her life’s calling of teaching children. Rosa dedicated 33 years to teaching children at Hyde Park Elementary school in Denison, Texas. Rosa found great joy and pride in the opportunity to teach multiple generations of local families. When selected as “Teacher of the Year” in 1991, Rosa said, “There is no other job where you could be a nurse, referee, soldier, secretary, counselor, janitor, housekeeper, dentist, and most of all ‘school mom’ to so many children.”

Rosa met her husband, David Massey, through his mother, Rosa Belle Massey, a fellow teacher in Denison. Rosa and David were married June 8, 1963 and enjoyed 63 years together. The life that they built was anchored by their deep love and commitment to their family. Above all, Rosa’s greatest joy and accomplishment were her roles as “Momma” and “Nana”. As a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she loved fiercely and endlessly, building a family legacy of love that will last for generations.

One of the most notable ways that she expressed her love was through her cooking, making her kitchen the true heart of the home. Her family will forever remember the experience of walking through her garage and smelling her legendary fried chicken before even entering the house. Among countless meals cherished by her family, some of the most fondly remembered dishes are her gravy, breakfast burritos, Nana’s banana pudding, squash casserole, and blackberry cobbler. When feeding herself, Rosa preferred life’s simple pleasures, such as a sun-warmed tomato plucked from the vine, a perfectly ripe cantaloupe, and a juicy peach. These foods elicited fond memories of childhood summers with extended family in Arkansas and brought her much enjoyment and comfort in her final days.

Upon retirement, Rosa continued to serve the community by tutoring at Terrell Elementary School and serving as a weekly driver for Meals on Wheels. Rosa was also talented with needle and thread, often making quilts and clothing for those she loved. A woman of faith, she maintained a personal ministry of sending tatted crosses of encouragement to friends and family across the country. According to her own record, she sent out a total of 413 crosses.

Rosa is survived by her husband, David Massey; daughters, Kelly Hurley and husband Ken and Karen King and husband Gary, both of Denison; three grandchildren, Lauren Copenhaver and husband Joseph of Garland, Garrison King and wife Kadey of Sherman, and Megan Cary and husband Chris of Van Alstyne; five great grandchildren, Gary Wayne King, Isaac King, Caleb King, Henry King and Theo Copenhaver; brothers, Cecil Potter and Larry Potter and wife Danita; sisters-in-law, Judy Hatfield and Janie Allen; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by parents; her brothers, Bert Potter, Thomas Potter, Johnny Potter, and Joe Potter; and her grandchildren, Dustin King and Gary Allan King.

Rosa will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her family. A private graveside service will be held in her honor. Rosa’s family expresses profound gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Grayson County Hospice for the care and compassion provided by staff members. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations are made to Grayson County Hospice (505 West Center Street, Sherman, Texas 75090)