Rosamond Olivine Rainford

Rosamond Olivine Rainford, also known as Miss Madge, Aiya and “Sexy Lady”, of Bear, DE, passed away on Monday, January 18, 2021, aged 92. Born on the December 20, 1928, raised and educated in Enfield, St. Mary’s, Jamaica, she was a daughter of the late Allan Beckford Johnson and Zitta (Chamberlain) Johnson Schaffe. Rosamond was the eldest of five brothers and sisters, including Florence, Thomas, Jusete and Winston. She was baptized as a Catholic at age 16 and remained a proud Presbyterian until her passing. Rosamond, despite being small in stature, was a shrewd businesswoman that ran her own convenience store in Kingston, Jamaica, and was great with handling money. In Kingston, she met the love of her life, Percival George Rainford. They met in church and they both loved to sing. They later married around 1951 and had 5 children together. Percival, also known as Percy, passed away in London in 1984. Rosamond moved to Delaware in 1994 to join her son, Donald, and daughter-in-law, Sharon, where she remained with the family until her death. Rosamond’s faith in God was central to her life. She could be described as a god-fearing woman, regularly found quoting the bible, scriptures and enjoyed fellowship with her church brothers and sisters, in particular, Sue Jewnarain and James Morakinyo. Rosamond’s hobbies, alongside attending church, included singing church music, farming, dancing to reggae and sewing. She was known as an “herbalist” for her ability to solve any ailments with her knowledge of using herbs as natural remedies. Rosamond also loved spending time with her grand and great grandchildren, who she spoiled rotten. She was known for keeping plenty of underground cash and candy which she dished out to her grandchildren; she would tap them on the shoulder and secretly gift them with generous sums of money. Rosamond’s financial support was vital to her grandchildren, especially her granddaughter, Ebony, who also carries her name, used her support to fund her sporting career. Ebony became the first black woman to play cricket for England and become a World Cup Winner. To say Rosamond was a “strong spirit” is an understatement since she never shied away from sharing her views and feelings. One of her favorite pastimes was calling her daughter-in-law, Sharon, a “heathen”. Rosamond also knew how to work the system well – whilst claiming to be ill, blink, and you could find her pumped up with energy and running a marathon! Rosamond was an independent spirit and would often be found walking or taking the bus on an adventure. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her children, Eric, Cedric and Delrose and grandchildren, Keith Jr. and Donald Jerome. Rosamond’s legacy lives on with her living children, Janet, the eldest child and her lookalike, remains in London and Donald, his father’s lookalike and the youngest child, is based in Delaware, USA; grandchildren, Dominic, Christian and Ebony are based in London, and Yanique Sr. and Jason are both of Delaware; great grandchildren, Andre, Tylo, Yazlynn, Yanique Jr. and Liam; one brother, Winston; great great grandchildren, Jay and Orion and 2 other great great grandchildren on the way, as of her passing; and many nieces and nephews and other relatives. She was a loved character that lived a full and bold life with lots of love. She will be sorely missed by many loved ones around the world. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 9 am on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2274 Porter Road, Bear, DE. A repass will follow at 414 Pencader Lane, Bear, DE. Interment will be held in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North Dupont Highway, New Castle, DE. Face masks will be required for all in attendance.

Rosamond Olivine Rainford

December 20, 1928 - January 18, 2021