Reflections of Life

Elder Rayfield Roscoe

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 4:6-7

Rayfield Roscoe was born March 22, 1941, to Jean Weathers and T.M. Roscoe in Shreveport, Louisiana. He completed his education in Ringgold, Louisiana, where he grew up and later moved to Joplin, Missouri.

Rayfield served four years in the United States Navy. After being discharged from the Navy he relocated to Los Angeles, California. In 1968 he married Annette Reese, who has preceded him in death in 2011. For 42 years he was a loving and devoted husband to his wife who he loved just as God loved his church.

At the age of 26 years he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and joined the King Solomon Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. O. J. Pedacolcoux. He later became an ordained deacon, and was an active member of the choir as well as the Los Angeles Male Chorus. Later in life he joined the First Philadelphia Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Wally Sapp where he accepted his calling to the ministry in 1986. He was called to pastor at Mount Carmel Baptist Church for 3 years. In 1994 he joined New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of Elder H. Goodman. In October of 1995 Elder Rayfield Roscoe was chosen as Pastor Elect. After serving a one year term as interim pastor, he was then elected and installed as the pastor of New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church where he served as pastor for the last 17 years. Elder Roscoe also served diligently as Vice Moderator in the West Coast Primitive Baptist Association.

Over the years Elder Roscoe held many jobs at Johns Mansville, he also was a dental technician, insurance agent, but was most happy with his position as a security officer at Southern California Edison. Elder Roscoe devoted his life to his family, his church family, his work family, and also the community. Rayfield worked deligently with the Sheriff Clergy, community Volunteer with Locke High School ROTC, and he also counseled others. He also enjoyed politics and fishing. Rayfield had a love for children. He always enjoyed encouraging the youth & young adults in the community. He encourages them to seek higher education, follow their dreams, and to seek God first in all you say and do. He also looked forward to his shifts as a Clergyman with the Los Angeles Sheriff Department.

On Friday, August 2, 2013, God summoned his angels to call his beloved son home to be with Him. Elder Rayfield Roscoe only moved from one home to another home. This home is a place where he would never have to move again, there is peace, harmony, and an abundance of love up there. There is no sickness and no more pain to endure.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Sister Annette Roscoe. Those left to celebrate his life and cherish his memories are five children: Ronnetta Thompson of Los Angeles, CA, Keith Taylor (Saadia) of Mechanicsville, VA, Jacqueline Benjamin (Ricky) of Los Angeles, CA, Kevin Taylor (Monica) of Los Angeles, CA, Jane Ratliff (Luther) of Natchitoches, LA; 14 grandchildren: Amelia Thompson, Kisha Fairchild (Chris), Stephanie McDaniels, Secorra Taylor, Keith Taylor II, Dawn Taylor, Ronald Compton II, Kevin Taylor II, Therase Ratliff, Janisa Ratliff, Jennifer Compton, Sequoia L. Blocker, Jazmyne McCullough, Robert McCullough; 11 great-grandchildren: Tiffany Jones, Darrion Jones, Samira Thompson, Bre’Lynn Abbott, Tahkia McDaniels, Brandon Abbott, Jazmyn Williams, Connor Fairchild, Dallas Day, Dakota Day, and Ashleigh Simpson. Also three special friends known as “The Widower Club” Elder Earnest Mathis, Elder Kenneth Otis, and Brother Clarence Chapman; and a host of aunts, family, friends, and New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church.