Rosamond D. Taylor

Rose was the seventh of ten children, four boys and six girls composing the family of Mary Alice Coleman Phillips and her husband, Jerry Allen Harvey Phillips, Sr. Rose was born at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York on November 23, 1941. She experienced a traditionally happy childhood within a large family circle. Rose achieved a public school education, was a diligent student, and attended Homemaking Vocational School in Brooklyn. Following high school, Rose held several positions of responsibility. She was ultimately employed by New York Telephone Company for a number of years prior to retirement from there in the mid-1990's. Due to her pleasant personality, she enjoyed many friendships while working at that facility. Rose had four brothers and five sisters. She and her eldest living sister, Thelma Francis, had always been the best of friends, sharing joys, sorrows, secrets, adventures and many fond memories throughout the years. For example each night at bedtime recitation of prayers, the children would sing: Our work is done, We've had some fun; our busy day is over. We'll all lie down, and rest our bones, We'll all come back tomorrow. Rose's parents as well as sisters Elsie Strickland and Gwendolyn King, in addition to brothers Jerry, Jr. and Francis Phillips are now deceased. Plus Henry and Elmer Phillips are generally faring very well. Rose had been married to Milton Taylor. After approximately a dozen years, they separated and, eventually, divorced. Subsequently, a beautiful relationship with David Dunn was blessed by the birth of her only child, her lovely daughter, Karen, with whom Rose was extremely close. Karen and her mother suffered the early loss of Karen's one son David. David's son, Davion-Rose's Great-Grandson-however, helped to fill that huge void. Karen's only daughter, Ayisha, has been a treasure. Since 1979, Rose had shared her life with Jason Craig, a retired New York City Transit Worker, who lost his own twin sister, Carol, within the last few years. Jason delighted in gifting Rose with chic designer handbags and unique jewelry to compliment her stylish clothing and shoes. Together, they created a comfortable home with distinctive furnishings. Frequently, the couple took memorable vacation trips and cruises. For many years, Rose was an avid bowler. Her bowling team included brother Elmer, nicknamed "Bernie". She also liked to play a card game, "Uno", with her sisters and recently deceased brother, Francis, called "Ace". Additionally, Rose maintained a gym membership because she advocated fitness. She prepared nutritious meals, and monitored her weight carefully. Due to later health complications that impaired her vision, Rose was unable to maintain her fondness for reading, which had occasioned lively, incisive discussions, of current events. Rose was a lifelong member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Reverend Sandy Ray, Pastor. She derived comfort from her favorite bible passage, The Lord's Prayer. "Just Stand" was her favorite hymn. Rose was truly a caring and dynamic individual. Her loss is deeply mourned by a host of dear relatives and friends in accordance with a final request, Rose's ashes will be dispersed across the Aloha State, Hawaii, a location that she and Jason had a particular desire to visit.

Rosamond D. Taylor

November 23, 1940 - April 16, 2016