Rose Lewis-Taylor

Rose Lewis-Taylor Rosie Bell (Ray) Lewis-Taylor was born on June 30, 1932 in Swan Lake, MS to the union of Joe Eddie and Lillie Ray. She was the eighth of sixteen children born to this union. The family moved to Lyon, MS where Rose attended school in Clarksdale, MS. While in high school, she was actively engaged, earning college scholarships in academics, music, and as a cheerleader. However, she declined, opting to marry the love of her life, Rev. James Lewis, a young minister and singer from Sardis, MS. James and Rose moved to Chicago in 1950 and raised 9 children. She worked at the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) until the family moved to Robbins , IL in 1967. Rose worked side-by-side with James as he pastored churches in Chicago and in Dixmoor, IL. After his death in 1979, she continued in her faith, working as a Sunday school leader, church choir director, mission director, and spiritual counselor to many young married minister wives. Rose met and married Rev. Leroy Taylor in 1984 where she continued to support him and his ministry in Chicago until his death in 2009. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, Rose moved to Las Vegas to be closer to her daughters and one of her sons. She continued to exemplify the characteristics of a virtuous woman, poised to share her faith through words of wisdom and songs until her health failed. Rose' life on this earth ended on August 11, 2018 She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Eddie and Lillie Ray, one daughter, Kimberly Lewis-Jones, and 13 siblings. She leaves 8 children to rejoice in her new life and cherish her memories: Rev. Kreatha Lewis (Lorraine) of Paducah, KY; Rev. Steven Lewis (Helen), Brent Lewis, Rev. Ferlander Lewis (Janice), and Rev. Marion Lewis (Marlene) of Chicago, IL; Regina Goings (Benjamin), Tobia Hawthorne, and Rev. Vincent Lewis (Gina) of Las Vegas, NV; 1 special niece : Linnie Walker of Detroit, MI; and 2 brothers: Albert Ray (Ora Lee) of Laurel, MS, and William (WT) Ray (Corrine) of Chicago, IL; 1 sister-in-law: Blanche Ray of Lyon, MS; 19 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends.

Rose Lewis-Taylor

June 30, 1932 - August 11, 2018