Rosamond Olivine Rainford
December 20, 1928 - January 18, 2021
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.
Sharon
I can’t believe you left me like this no last word,no goodbye, I miss you so much, who will talk to and ask questions,I miss you so much. My mentor my mother my fighting best friend love you always
Sharon
Lorna Ellis
You’ll be surely missed Ms Rainford. RIP
Nick Thomas
This world would not be the same without gentle, kind, and God loving spirits like you. This earth has lost one but the heavens rejoice in your return home. I know you were just singing right up to gates of heaven. Love you Mum mum!
Jonelle Murph
Donald and Sharon Rainford, I also referred to your Mother as mom. She was such a Godly women. She will be missed.
God Bless the Family,
Jonelle, Jasmine and Jade Murph-Riley
Jay King
My sincere condolences. May her soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Jay/Marlene
Ina
Miss made i am going to miss you you were my mom best friend I will miss your smile your sining of gospel songs and dancing at our family get together i will miss you dearly as you always call me aunt doll.
Stephen Dixon
Loved how you would share your knowledge of the Lord with everyone.
James & Joyce Burton
We will always miss Ms.Madge. May she Rest In Peace . Our prayers are with her in heaven and Don, Sharon and family on earth.
Virginia Phillips
I met Mrs. Rosamond when I worked in Bew Castle. I remdmber seeing her at the bus stop and I would sneak out to take her to the bank. She had such a sweet spirit. Rest in Paradise my friend
Denise M Wilson-Haughton
My sincere heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May God strengthen your family during your grieving and provide you with comfort.
Lorna Hill
Don, I am so sorry for the passing of Ms. Madge. I am still trying to wrap my mind around it. I still see her as being alive- full of energy and effervescence- although she has passed. She was a delightful and godly woman. Full of great Pearls of wisdom which she freely shared. I loved being around her and in particular, dancing with her. I will miss her. I pray God’s peace which passes all understanding will envelop your heart and mind during this season. You have been a great son. You have honored your mother as the Lord required you to do with all diligence and joy. May the Lord richly bless you and Sharon going forward. In His love.
Cheryl Rice-Moore
Don and Sharon: words cannot fill this great loss and the pain but know that you are supported by many …and that God loves you. HE is the strength of our lives. Keep your faith and your hands in HIM who keeps you from falling.
Leonard McGill Jr
My sincere condolences to the family, May your mom Rest In Peace
Claudette Weir
I call her mommy ever since I met her, I fell in love with her for all these years
Her conversations were always about God and sometimes about health issues . My call for an appointment would last half an hour sometimes with laughter and ends with prayer. Special lady . She will be missed.
My condolences to the family.
Dominic Headley
My darling grandma, I cannot find the right words to truly express how sad I am feeling at you leaving us in this way and at this time. I am only grateful for the fact that you knew you were loved so much by all your huge extended family all over the world. I am also thankful that many of us were able to come together to celebrate your 90th birthday in December 2018. It was the last time that I got to see you in person and is a memory and experience that I will cherish forever. You were a fighter to the end and your spirit will forever inspire me and all generations of our family who must now take up the mantle. You will be in our hearts always. RIP my warrior granny. ❤️❤️
Dominic
Hillaire Mckenzie
Rest in peace Ms Rainford. It was fun being around you. I will be.missing you. (ANDREA).
Derrick & Vonnette Douglas & Family
Heart felt condolences to Bunny, Sharon & Family. Miss Madge was such a special and loving person. Indelible memories can never be forgotten. May her soul SIEP.
Christine Tyson
Fly high darling, you did VERY well on your journey on earth, we all miss you see you on the other side, prayers.
Melody
Fly high, Ms Marge. Angels are rejoicing waiting on your entry. I miss you; I can hear that beautiful voice saying is that Melo. Then we have our little chat. RIP Ms Marge.
Herb Doughty
My condolences to the family
Pamela Fletcher
I will always remember Ms. Madge singing and her beautiful spirit… Don, Sharon and family her spirit will live on through you❤️🙏🏾
Tara
Hi Mother.
I’m happy that you’re finally Home;
You’ve been waiting a long time!
I thank God for placing you in my life, and all that you’ve taught me..from bible, hymns, remedies, stories and jokes.
I thank Him for allowing me to see you as a role model and for being a role model to me.
I will miss your hugs, kisses, tight grip on my hands, your songs, you two step dance, and mostly the excitement in your voice when you see me. You were a mother and grandmother to me and many others; a gift and a blessing.
I love you, and I will always remember you, and all that you taught me.
Love Always,
Brian, Tara, Stephen, Grace, Hannah, Timothy.
—––—————————
I don’t know about tomorrow
I just live for day to day
I don’t borrow from the sunshine
For it’s skies may turn to gray
I don’t worry o’er the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today I’ll walk beside Him
For He knows what lies ahead
Many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand
Ev’ry step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb
Ev’ry burden’s getting lighter
Ev’ry cloud is silver lined
There the sun is always shining
There no tear will dim the eye
At the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains touch the sky
Many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand
Cheri Adams
Ed and I extend our deepest sympathies to Jason, Samantha, Liam and the Rainford family. We enjoyed worship and fellowship with “Mother Rainford” at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, especially enjoying her gift of singing and praising God. While goodbye is never easy and the circumstances were so tragic, as Jason said – she died a hero. So glad that you had so many years to enjoy her presence.
With much love,
Cheri & Ed
Terryann Schaffe-Odeleye
Auntie Madge,
I can’t find any word to describe how I am feeling. You were my one last aunt left in this world. I am going to miss your family stories, no one make the family history come to life the way in which you do. My favorite food of all time is your fry sprat. I am going to cherish the times I had with you. Your niece forever Cutie 💛
Jean McQueen
Bro. Don, Sharon & Family, sending you all my heartfelt condolences and love. I was sad to hear about the loss of Mother Rainford. I will cherish our last conversation last September. She was so happy and she remembered to ask about my kids. It good to hear her say that she was still praying for me! I will hold years of memories of her in my heart. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you.
Love and hugs
Sophia Schaffe
Aunty Madge, I will miss you, your presence will forever resides in me. I always thought of you as daddy’s twin, the smile, the walk, even the small gestures. Sad to see you go before the time, I know you would’ve walked your way to 110🙏🏽❤️
Earl Thomas & Family
Dear Don and Family,
We are thinking about you and your family and holding you in our prayers. May we all mourn together, reflect together, comfort each other, cry together and smile together and resolve with each other that as difficult as it may be, we will help to remember and carry on the loving legacy of your mom. As you struggle to find strength to carry on, know this, you are not alone in your grief. In the moments that you find yourself alone, it is our sincerest hope that you feel that we all share your grief and that you are not alone. We hope to give you strength, to help lift you up and to help you get through these difficult days so that you and your family can move forward with hearts uplifted. Our deepest sympathy and blessings to you and your family. May your mom, Rosamond Rainford, Rest in Everlasting Peace. Amen.
-Earl Thomas and Family
Marlene Hurtt
Don your mom will surely be missed. She had such an energetic and warm spirit. I loved your mom too. Seeing her on the dance floor and her zest for life was an inspiration for many. You have so very many memories of your mother hold on to them. At times they will make you cry and laugh at the same time. The love between the two of you is a bond that will last forever. I am praying for peace and strength as you go through these difficult times. God will carry you through. We are all here for you surrounding you with love and support.
Marlene and family
Alex Sutton
May God wrap your mom in His arms so that she enters heaven in all His glory. Be sustained and soothed that she lived a good life, a job well done. Charlesetta and I will keep you in our prayers.
Audrey Eubanks
Deepest condolences from my family and I to Don and Sharon on such a great loss. I met her at bible study once or twice when she visited and I remember her spirit. I also remember you guys sharing warm stories about her but mostly I remember being in her presence. I know these words won’t bring her back to you but, the importance of the spirit is mentioned In Ecc 12:7 – Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. I pray that you’ll will find comfort in knowing that she invited his presence to create an atmosphere where people walk away with warm memories.
Dawn J
A favorite song of Mr and Mrs. Percival Rainford: I come to the garden alone…
And he walks with me. And he talks with me. And he tells me I am his own…
You are with God, Ms. Madge. You are not alone!
WALK GOOD. Rest in eternal peace.
Dawn and Z (NYC)
Michelle
Don & Sharon may i know your mom was a nuturing & Godly lady. I could hear it in her voice when i called to talk to you or Sharon. May her soul rest in peace. And may God bless you both with strength & resilience. Love you both.
Veronica Baker
Dear Bunny & Sharon:
It was a pleasure and blessing to have known your Mom.
May her soul be at peace with our heavenly father.
Deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Maggie Ferrao
Janet Rainford, as we always talk about your Mom,at work, being a strong woman, loving and caring and hard worker, as my Mom. Saddened to hear the sudden death of your loving Mom, I pray to God to Rest her soul in peace.