Newser’s beloved mom dies at 91

ROSA ALICE FEREBEE, the mother of longtime Daily News staffer Franz Martin, died Jan. 14. She was 91.

Born in North Carolina May 5, 1924, Ferebee was the youngest of 13 children.

As a young woman she moved to Harlem, where her cooking became legendary. She was referred to as Mama or Nana by the many family friends who frequently stopped by to get a place at the table.

Music and entertaining were two of her greatest loves. She enjoyed classical, gospel and opera music as much as stars like Michael Jackson.

In 1978, at the urging of her employer — acclaimed violinist Ruggiero Ricci and his wife Julia — Ferebee (photo) relocated to West Palm Beach, Fla., where she continued to work for them.

She later was in high demand as a home health aide. She worked until age 82.

Ferebee was a devoted member of the Northwood Congregation in West Palm Beach for over 35 years.

She studied, taught and went to services faithfully. When she was unable to attend in person, she listened by phone.

Ferebee was preceded in death by her 12 siblings and her first child, Kay Frances.

She is survived by six children, including sons James Ferebee and his wife Brenda; Ronald McLeod; Roland McLeod and his wife Daphne; Anthony McLeod and his wife Deneen, as well as daughters, Franz Martin and her husband James (Sonny) Martin and Jacqueline Bratton and her husband Michael.

Ferebee is also mourned by 18 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren, plus many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A viewing will be held Monday from 4 to 8 p.m., and the funeral will be Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Both the viewing and funeral will be at Benta’s Funeral Home at 630 St. Nicholas Ave. in Harlem.