Homegoing Celebration in honor of a Mother, Sister, Grandmother and Friend
on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at Eleven O’clock in the Morning
Gethsemane Baptist Church 5405 Roanoke Avenue Newport News, VA 23605
Rev. Dr. Dwight Riddick, Pastor Officiant
Musical Prelude...................................................................Luther Chambers Selection...................................................................................Music Ministry Scripture Readings Old Testament New Testament Prayer of Comfort Acknowledgments ................................................................Tiffany Foreman Reflections of Life Montage Musical Selection.....................................................................Music Ministry Eulogy.......................................................................Rev. Dr. Dwight Riddick Committal................................................................Rev. Dr. Dwight Riddick
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Roberta Russell Brandon quietly departed this life from her home on March 31, 2020. She was born November 27, 1936 in Danville, Virginia to the late Betsey and Roger Russell. Affectionately called “R.B”. or “Berta,” by her old friends and close family members, was educated in the Danville Public School System. She later met and married the late Cleophis Brandon on October 22, 1955 and relocated to North Carolina, back to Danville, Norfolk, and finally to Newport News, Virginia. Like most women during the era in which “Berta” came along, she started working as a youngster to help support her family by doing domestic work. R.B.’s work history is long and fruitful to include, Haufiemers Shoes, the Food Service Department in the Norfolk School System and Charlie’s Café on Granby Street in Norfolk from which she retired in 1987. Charlie’s Café noted Roberta as the Best Collard Green’s cook in the state of Virginia. She was baptized at an early age at the Garretts Baptist Church, Norfolk, Virginia. She was a faithful, loyal and dedicated member of the Gethsemane Baptist Church where she served on the Culinary Committee and in any area she may have been needed. She was known at Gethsemane for her mouthwatering Chicken Salad. Roberta was a loving mother who reared her sons as a single parent following the death of her husband. Though tough at times, she was always kind, tenderhearted and ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. She was a hard worker and a no-non-sense person, yet she would often make you laugh as she enjoyed life. Her faith in God was very strong and it was the reason for her joy. “Berta” was preceded in death by husband Cleophis Brandon two sons Randy and Carl Brandon and a brother Leroy Russell. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends. She leaves to cherish her memories, sons, Gary Brandon (Raynette), Portsmouth, VA; Kenny Brandon (Monica) Hampton, VA. A brother, Charles Russell (Chris), Norfolk, VA. Three granddaughters, Tan Belfield, Norfolk, VA, Brittany Powell, Hampton, VA; and Coby Martin, Virginia Beach, VA. Two grandsons, Kendell Rumble, Norfolk, VA and Randell Combo, Atlanta, GA. Six great grandchildren; a sister and brother in law Jean and Don; and host of nieces nephews cousins and friends.
I ’m Free
By: Janice M. Fair-Salters
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the end of the day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My Life’s been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.
During a time like this we realize how much our family and friends mean to us. Your kind expressions of sympathy will always be remembered. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we continue our journey through life. May God bless you richly.