Roslyn Coaxum

Albany- Roslyn Coaxum was born on August 18, 1941, at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, to Walter Ambrose Jackson and Ruth E. Jackson, both proud natives of Jamaica. Her father worked as a train porter, and her mother was a teacher in Columbus, Ohio.

As a young child, Roslyn spent several cherished years living with her beloved grandmother, Julia Anne McCullough. She often spoke of the extraordinary bond they shared, a relationship that shaped her understanding of unconditional love, compassion, and family. Through her grandmother's example, Roslyn learned how to become the devoted grandmother and great-grandmother her own family would come to know and treasure. After her grandmother's passing, Roslyn moved to Columbus, Ohio, to live with her parents.

Raised by two strong, loving parents, Roslyn grew up believing in faith, family, resilience, hard work, and commitment. These same values became the foundation upon which she raised her own children. She often reminded them never to say, "I can't," encouraging them instead to persevere through every challenge.

Proud of her Jamaican and Irish heritage, Roslyn was taught to carry herself with grace, dignity, and kindness. From the ages of five to twelve, she studied ballet, a reflection of the elegance she carried throughout her life. She was also among the first African American children to integrate an all-white school, often being the only Black student in her class. Rather than allowing race to define her experiences, Roslyn embraced people for who they were. With an Irish grandfather and a Jamaican grandmother, she believed that differences were something to appreciate rather than fear. She lived by the principle of showing unconditional love to everyone she met.

Roslyn attended Eastmoor High School in Columbus, Ohio, before earning her first Associate Degree in Social Work from Columbia State University. During her college years, she met Clarice Smith Kinard, who preceded her in death. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong sisterhood that remained unbreakable through the years.

Following graduation, Roslyn returned to New York City, where she met her dear friend and sister-in-law, Wanita Maddox-Owens. Through Wanita, she met and married her first husband, James Maddox, who also preceded her in death. She later married William Coaxum Sr.

In 1969, Roslyn was introduced to "the Truth" and began her lifelong journey as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. After her baptism, she faithfully raised all of her children in the congregation. Her faith remained steadfast throughout her life. Whether her children wanted to attend meetings or not, when Roslyn said, "Let's go," they knew she meant it. Her commitment to Jehovah and to instilling spiritual values in her family never wavered.

Throughout the years, Roslyn made homes in several Brooklyn neighborhoods. She and James Maddox purchased their first home in East New York before she later moved to Far Rockaway with William Coaxum Sr. Eventually, the family settled on Herkimer Street in Brooklyn, where Roslyn became part of a close-knit community. The friendships formed there among young families grew into lifelong relationships that extended across generations.

Committed to lifelong learning, Roslyn graduated from New York City Technical College in Brooklyn with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work in 1982. In 1987, she became a foster parent, opening not only her home but also her heart to children in need.

Roslyn wore many professional hats throughout her life. She worked as an Assistant Editor for the Amsterdam News, a Loan Officer at Chemical Bank, a Security Guard at a shelter, and later joined the New York City Police Department. She proudly served at the 71st Precinct for six years, the 79th Precinct for four years, and ultimately found her professional home at Highway 2 in Brooklyn, where she faithfully served for twenty years.

Later in life, Roslyn relocated to Albany, New York, with two of her daughters and two grandsons. Albany became her new home, where she continued serving others as a Home Health Aide, a school lunch aide, and finally as a Nurse Unit Receptionist at Albany Medical Center before retiring once again.

Roslyn was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Ambrose Jackson and Ruth Jackson; her daughters, Tonia Maddox and Olivia Maddox Plummer; her former husband, James Maddox; her great-grandson, Messiah Meshaw Jones; her sister, Jerry; her lifelong friends Clarice Smith Kinard and Wanita Maddox-Owens; and many other beloved family members and dear friends.

Roslyn leaves behind a legacy of love through her devoted children: Crystal (Kenneth) Edwards, James (Robin) Maddox , Jamila (Gary) Coaxum-Lewis, William (Amy Lewis) Coaxum II , Ni'Yasha Coaxum-Curry, Nastassia ( Jay) Rodwell , Nashanti Coaxum-Curry, Michelle (Brian) Maddox-Miller , Jeanette Pooh Faison Timmons.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren: Ivan Coaxum-Maddox, James Merced, Adeva Maddox, Jyier Maddox, Javontae ( Dominque) Maddox , Qua-Von Johnson, Jamir Coaxum, William Coaxum III, Seven Coaxum Ebron, Ta'Lib Wallace, Marcus Marcell, Deavion Springsteen, Nazir Coaxum, Dymond Coaxum Ebron, Sapphire Coaxum Ebron, Te'zhi Ford, Emais Jenkins, Niy'Mel Miller, Niy'Ari Miller, Nariah Miller, Ada'MY Pharaoh, AhDai Morrison-Reidy, Karam Simmons, Kiana Bell, Shanatanise Maddox, Domonique Maddox, Armel Maddox, and many other beloved grandchildren.

She was further blessed with numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, Ivyona Coaxum-Maddox, Heidra Shaw, Syara Smith-Merced, James Merced Jr., Jazier Maddox, Mae'Lanie Maddox, Jaharie Maddox, Sa'Manie Maddox, Azie'r Maddox, Iyara Coaxum, Imair Coaxum, Keyomi Coaxum, Anariah Coaxum, Siaeir Robinson, Jayce Ebron, Ta'Lib Royal Wallace Jr., Nain'La Wallace, Kiara Keith, Jayla Beckford, and many more who brought immeasurable joy to her life.

Roslyn also leaves behind her cherished goddaughter, Keke Edwards, and god-granddaughter, Jayla Beckford. She shared special bonds with Anita Edwards, Shakina Boyd, her beloved niece Damita Owens, bonus daughters Mattie Harris, Patricia Sims, and bonus son "Moe," along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends who loved her dearly.

Roslyn Coaxum lived a life rooted in faith, strengthened by perseverance, and defined by unconditional love. She was a woman of grace, wisdom, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her influence will continue to live on through the generations she nurtured, the countless lives she touched, and the enduring legacy of love she leaves behind.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."