Our Founder

Rosia Gilbert Metoyer was born March 2, 1930, in Boyce, Louisiana. She was one of eight children, four boys, and four girls. The man that left a lasting impression on her life was her grandfather, a Baptist Minister and a Pastor in Boyce. His name was Rev. Thomas Pannell.

As Rosia grew up, she saw how her grandfather was about helping people. Making sure their families had food, allowing them to get jobs, and letting them know that all things are possible with God. That instilled in Rosia that we are here to help each other, and she was determined to help people. She would prepare sandwiches for the drifters that rode in the boxcars along the railroad tracks and constantly checked on friends and family members.

Rosia graduated from Peabody High School and Grambling State University and became a teacher. She married Gravel Metoyer in 1953, and they had four children. Later she received a degree in Library Science and got her Master's degree from Webster University.

Rosia and the Alexandria Chapter of Jack and Jill of America began the Alexandria Sickle Cell Anemia Research Foundation through a service project in 1973. This was the only local organization formed to resolve a health problem in the Black community. She served as Executive Director for over 40 years. During this time, she worked diligently to ensure Sickle Cell Patients received the best care. This included numerous trips to hospitals outside the local area, where up-to-date treatments were available. Her sister, Olevia Roland, assisted her when she could. But during the first 10 or 15 years with Sickle Cell Foundation, there was no money for a salary, so she worked full-time with no pay. There were numerous Sickle Cell events, such as the city-wide funds drive during the summer, sponsored golf tournaments to raise funds, Health Fairs, and many other activities where the Executive Director had to be present. Rosia worked hard to get state funds for a new Sickle Cell Building and vehicle. Her husband and family supported her efforts.

Rosia served on the City of Alexandria Human Relations Commission, the Alexandria Zoning Review Board, and the Rapides Hospital Board. She was a member of DPEC - Democratic Parish Executive Committee and was on the Rapides Voters Registration Committee, was a candidate for the State Senate, and was a proud member of the Zeta Lambda Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority.

Rosia Metoyer’s legacy continues to live on through the many clients she served, her vision for the organization, and the relationships she built in the community.