Roselyn Knox's Obituary
Roselyn Clarice Knox (“Roz”), a true servant leader, led an honorable life dedicated to Jesus, her family, her friends, and her country. Roselyn was known for her beautiful and loving spirit. She made others feel welcome immediately and made people feel that they belong. She passed away on October 12, 2021, at the age of 70, at Madigan Army Medical Center on Ft. Lewis, Washington after an extensive battle with COVID-19 and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. She was surrounded by her son, one of her first cousins, and two close friends.
Roselyn was born on July 6, 1951, in Youngstown, Ohio. She lived her childhood in Denver, Colorado. She attended Manual High School and graduated in the Class of 1969. Roselyn was an accomplished musician, skilled both in the viola and the piano. She was a member of Denver’s All-City Orchestra and was the only Black member of Colorado’s All State Orchestra. Roselyn was a member of the National Honor Society and was presented as a debutante by the Owl Club of Denver in 1969. Roselyn married Sylvester Knox (1SG U.S.A. Retired) on May 12, 1978. They were married for 27 years before he passed away in 2005. Roselyn was also preceded by the loss of her daughter, Rozmond Marie Knox, in 2018. She is survived by her son, Parissh Anthony Knox of Los Angeles, CA, her sister-cousins, regular cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and numerous other extended family members. She was proud of her family both near and far. Special shout out to Denver, Chicago, and San Diego.
She was a proud Tacoman of 35 years. Roselyn worked at Range Control on Joint Base Lewis-McChord for more than 20 years before she retired. As an active volunteer, she spent her entire life serving others, whether it was on a school board, the PTA, the Urban League, or other community organizations. She founded her nonprofit Women's Ministry Plus You (please learn more at https://wmpyou.org). It comes as no surprise that she was set to join the board of a local seminary this coming January. She raised money for winter coats, and Thanksgiving dinners for kids and their families who attended the elementary school her daughter attended. She enjoyed volunteering at the Tacoma Rescue Mission. She mentored countless people over the years.
Roselyn treasured her family and friends, her By His Word Christian Center family, Women of Wisdom family, and other ministries. She lived abroad in Okinawa, Japan for a couple of years and loved learning about others. She enjoyed different languages and practiced Spanish with her daughter, Marie. She loved cooking with Marie and learned to make bulgogi from scratch for her son, Parissh. She was “adopted” by her Puerto Rican friends. Roselyn was picky about who made the best pho, loved it when people brought her fresh lumpias, kimchi and other tasty goodies, and enjoyed new restaurants. She attended concerts and performances, went to many graduations, weddings, and quinces over the years. Whenever she was in LA, she would go to dinner with Parissh and his friends and became a regular part of his crew. Her favorite flower was Birds of Paradise, and she always made her home open to all. Roselyn had a great and memorable laugh and could always tell a great story. She loved life and celebrated the happiness of others, and she also truly knew how to be there when times were tough.
Roselyn would fight for you to the very end. Roselyn was a woman of faith who lived by her convictions. To many, she was a prayer warrior, a second Mom, a sister, a respected elder, an auntie, a beautiful friend, or a person of encouragement. She will be truly missed. Thank you to all who ever loved her, simply made her smile, or laugh. Thank you to those special ones for being there for her, especially after the loss of her husband and daughter.
Roselyn's memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Mountain View Memorial Park, Lakewood Washington. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., a Celebration of Life will begin at 12:00 p.m., and Internment at 2:30 p.m. Repast (food and fellowship) will follow. Roselyn’s family strongly recommends that attendees obtain their COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots for those who are privileged to get them. Talk to your medical provider for accurate information. Masks will be required for those in attendance. Roselyn was not vaccinated, but sadly her last internet search on her phone was about where to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider. She had only recently mentioned to some family friends that she was considering getting the vaccine. Don’t wait until it is too late.
We all LOVE you mom! We will miss you, your joy, and handmade cards. You are truly one of the good ones and your loving, giving spirit will remain in our hearts forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any contributions be made in the memory of Roselyn C. Knox to the Tacoma Rescue Mission (please learn more at https://www.trm.org).
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