Rosemary Isaac

Elder Rosemary Crawford Isaac made her transition to eternal rest on Tuesday, December 3, 2019. Her life began on March 20, 1952, in Bronx, New York. She was born to the late Mother Ruby Crawford Nelson and was the youngest of two children. She matriculated through the New York City Public Schools. Upon graduation from Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, New York, she attended the Borough of Manhattan Community College obtaining her Associate in Arts Degree. Later, inspired to make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth and families, she would go on to obtain her Bachelor of Science Degree from York College.

Elder Rosemary’s vocation was in the field of Social Work. She was very passionate about working with families and at-risk youth coming out of juvenile detention centers/group homes. She was very influential in the lives of young people especially young adolescent/adult females, which led her to become a foster parent. Her career advanced further as she pursued a position as a Probational Officer for the State of New York. She held this position until her relocation to the state of Virginia. In Virginia, Elder Rosemary continued to work in the field of Social Work obtaining positions in various agencies, social services departments, etc.. This led her to become one of the program coordinators for the James City County-Williamsburg’s program entitled, CHIP. She further advanced her career as she became the Assistant Director of Charles City Department of Social Services, Charles City, Virginia, in which she retired in 2002 due to illness.

Elder Rosemary accepted Jesus Christ at the age of twelve during a revival hosted by the church, Universal Mission Apostolic Church, Brooklyn New York, where she was spiritually nurtured. She was not only involved in the youth department, but she was gifted with a passion to sing. She sang in the church’s choir as well as many community choirs (In New York: Brothers & Sisters & Reflections of Divine Love; In Virginia:  Bethel Restoration Center, Voices of Heaven, The Anointed) throughout her life. In the mid-‘80s she was licensed and ordained as an Evangelist by Bishop Dr. Calvin S. Singleton of Mission For Christ Holy Church (Brooklyn, New York). In August of 2018, she was elevated to the office of Elder by Labourers For Christ Apostolic Ecumenical Network (Chicago, Illinois) under the Presiding Prelate, Apostle Dr. Shawnette A. Houghton and served in the office of Elder for Labourers For Christ Center For Reconstruction under Archbishop Dr. Nathaniel D. Isaac (Williamsburg, Virginia). Prior to ordination as an Elder, she grabbed hold to the vision of Labourers For Christ Center For Reconstruction and prompted the first Building Block Church Service. Therefore, she was the first member of this church plant.

Elder Rosemary married Bishop Osville I. Isaac on July 14, 1973. Their 46-year marriage stands as a testament and holds true to the phrase, “for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, till death do we part . . .” They have not only weathered every type of storm, but they have produced both physical and spiritual sons and daughters.

Elder Rosemary was preceded in death by her mother Ruby Crawford Nelson and stepfather William Nelson; son-in-law Allen Clark; and grandson, David Ezekiel Isaac; brother-in-law, Spencer.

Elder Rosemary Isaac leaves to cherish her precious memory husband: Bishop Osville I. Isaac; five children: Ruby L. Edmonds Carlton (Arniel Lamont), Dr. Nathaniel D. Isaac (Tandeka), Sonia C. Clark, Dwight I. Isaac (Marshunda), and Llavar Hylon; Four grandchildren: Deletecia, Cecee, Isaiah and Stephen; one sister: Barbara Hall Spencer; A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, god-children/spiritual children, other loving relatives and many caring friends.

Elder Rosemary had a love for God and Life. Her faith stood strong through every illness she encountered as she proclaimed in her heart the scripture, “I will not die but live, and tell of the works of the Lord (Psalm 118:17) until the day of her last breath. She fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith and now there is in store for her the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, has now awarded to her and not only her, but to all who have longed for his appearing. Well done, thy good and faithful servant!

A Celebration of life service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 9, 2019, in Whitings Chapel.  Family and friends to assemble at 10:30 a.m. in the Funeral Home. 

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia  23185  757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rosemary Isaac, please visit our floral store.