Roslyn Rawlins

Roslyn Verona Rawlins, a devoted woman of God and a pillar of her community, passed away peacefully at the age of 77. Born on February 16, 1948, in Paget, Bermuda, she was the daughter of the late Hubert “Sparky” Lightbourne, a celebrated Bermuda bus driver for whom the Paget terminal is named, and Betty Elissa Lightborne, a florist at Damco.

Roslyn’s early years were spent at Paget Glebe and Ord Road Paget before she graduated from Prospect High School for Girls. Her sharp mind for numbers led her to BAS Accounts, where she managed payroll before embarking on an adventure with her husband, Edward Junior Rawlins. The pair wed on July 10, 1977, at Saint Paul’s Church in Paget, shortly before moving to the United States.

After a brief stop in Philadelphia and a short stay in Oakland, the couple moved through Hayward and San Jose before finally settling into their first home in Gilroy, California. Roslyn’s professional dedication continued at Precision Blinds and G&L Shades, eventually leading to a 15-year career in the Registrar’s Office at Gavilan Community College. There, she became a familiar, helpful face to countless students before her retirement.

Her true heart, however, belonged to her faith. A faithful member of Bethany C.O.G.I.C. since 1992, Roslyn served as a Sunday School teacher, a choir member, and an honored Second Church Mother. She found her greatest joy in magnifying the Kingdom of God and sharing his light with everyone she met.

In her final years, Roslyn faced significant health challenges with a "silver lining" spirit that defied medical expectations. A true miracle, she spent her final two months enjoying precious moments with her family during Thanksgiving and Christmas—a testament to her strength and God’s grace.

She is survived by her siblings, Heather, DeAnna, and Gary Lightbourne; her children, Renee Mercer, Shane Rawlins, and Blake Rawlins; her many grandchildren and a host of beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren Tevin, Stefan, Olivia, Sofia, Josephine, Lulu, Nia, Joshua, Eva, Emory, Caleb, Catalina, Taj and Barret. Roslyn was preceded in death by her brothers, Glen, Macio and Andre Lightbourne.