KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Rosie Mae Lockett Dunning, 78, died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010 at Borgress Hospital in Kalamazoo, Mich.

She was known as Big Mama to her grandchildren and Rachel to relatives and close friends. She was born in Dixon Mills on Aug. 7, 1932 to the late Elmara Lewis and Eddie G. Lockett. She spent her childhood, adolescent and early childhood in Dixon Mills and received Christ at an early age at Rock Babylon Baptist Church. She later moved to Kalamazoo, Mich. and joined the Galilee Baptist Church. She attended and graduated from the Marengo High School. She united in Holy Matrimony to the late Willie G. Dunning.

Her daughter, Hiawantha Dunning, and a sister, Joan Lockett Lucy (Ernest), preceded her in death.

Survivors include four daughters, Barb Dunning of Atmore and Willie Dunning, Sandra Babbett and Pearline Pratt of Kalamazoo, Mich.; one son, Eddie Dunning of Kalamazoo, Mich.; stepmother, Lee Ella Lockett of Sweetwater; two sisters, Eddie Mae McDonald and Jackie (Norman) Richardson of Sweetwater; five brothers, Willie (Della) George of Chicago, Ill., Barry Lockett of Newport, Va., Bill (Elizabeth) Lockett, Herman (Rosetta) Lockett and Thaddeous (Mattie) Lockett of Sweetwater; two aunts, Needa Mae Lockett of Kalamazoo, Mich. and Beulah Lewis of Mobile; 12 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010 at Rockbabylon Baptist Church in Dixon Mills. Burial will be held at Polly and Robinson Cemetery.

Family will receive family and friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, 2010 at Christian Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home will be directing.