RITE OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL FOR
Mr.Vincent DE PAUL
(JUSTIN) ROBERTS
BORN: 22nd October, 1934
DIED: 25th December, 2024
AGE: 90 Years
SERVICE HELD AT St. Francis Xavier Cathedral West Street North Nassau, Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Thursday, 9th January 2025 @ 10:00 a.m.
OFFICIATING:
Father Glen C. Nixon
ORGANIST:
Mr. Carl Johnson
I KNOW THIS MUCH TO BE TRUE...
Our Father was born on October 22, 1934. Whilst his parents (Irwin and Hazel Roberts) christened him Vincent de Paul, his maternal grandfather (Maurice Clarke) immediately called him Justin at birth declaring that he was born “just in time”, and that nickname stuck with him throughout his 90 years of life.
The family lived on Augusta Street North and Daddy, as did all of his siblings, believed that his navel string was buried on the Priory ground. We all remember jumping the wall from a very young age to attend church services at St. Francis or to play on the grounds.
When his father passed away at a relatively young age (even though he claims to have been contemplating formation as a Catholic Priest at the time), as the eldest child of the Roberts clan, Daddy saw it as his duty to leave his matriculation at St. Augustine’s College to enter employment in order to assist his mother with providing for and shepherding his nine siblings. These circumstances forced him to become a father figure, provider and mentor at a very young age. In many ways throughout his life, this spirit of commitment and mentorship became of great benefit to others.
Daddy is probably not too happy that he is donned in a formal suit and tie today. He would welcome all the red as this was his favorite color, but he much preferred dressing in a leisure suit and you always expected him to show up in his favorite “bush jackets” and sandals.
He possessed an entrepreneurial spirit and thrived in his many endeavours. In his early days he juggled four jobs. His core occupation saw him rise to leadership ranks at the Ministry of Works, where he spent in excess of 35 years. After retirement from public service, Daddy pivoted his talents to the service and management of
Dozer Heavy Equipment. An enterprising man who was driven by a prowess for investment and chance, during his working years he embarked on many lucrative ventures. These included Circle R Horse Stables, land holdings and the development of both Romerville and Marshallville subdivisions and the Roberts Apartment complex, ownership of glass bottom boat ‘The Paradise Queen”, and the establishment of E C & V bars with his good friends Errington Watkins & Calvin Graham.
He was passionate about horses and horse-racing and became one of the renowned Bahamian race horse owners during the Hobby Horse Racetrack era. Truth be told, Daddy was hopelessly allergic to horses given his asthmatic tendencies, but his love and passion for his horses overcame any personal discomforts. He established Circle
“R” Stables and procured and bred quite a few champions. He believed that he developed the right “tonic” (which he mixed himself) and that it elevated the health and the stealth of the animals in his stable. We are particularly grateful that over the last six months, Larry Demeritte came back more than once to visit with Daddy after his successes at the Kentucky Derby earlier this year. Larry remembered that his start in horse racing began as a youngster with Daddy at Circle R Stables where he spent many years. Larry’s recent visits allowed Daddy to share in this success as a mentor and it brought him so much joy. We are so very grateful.
Daddy was considered creative by many and he was often sought out to provide unique names for babies. He was always proud to get those calls, but we would often roll our eyes when people called upon him to provide a name for their newborn. You see, the truth is that he named all four of us after St. Vincent de Paul: (Besides Daddy who was Vincent de Paul I, we now had Venentia de Paulette, Vincent de Paul II, Vicente de Paul and Vechenda de Pauletta), and so our lives are full of stories of utter confusion on the part of establishments. In very early days, all four of us would be called to appear before the Comptroller in order to renew passports, because records were always hopelessly confused. Still today, issues arise and require attention.
Outside of this though, Daddy claimed every ounce of creativity that anyone in the family displayed as coming directly from him. It did not matter what the discipline or art form was. Be it soccer, basketball, dance, art, or song, as far as Daddy was concerned your talents emanated from his genes and he proudly made this proclamation with each and every accomplishment by any of his prodigy.
Daddy liked to write and in his contemplative season, he penned his stories. His writings are peppered with stories of success, but also both some lessons learned and some regrets.
Whilst I have never seen a piece of visual art that he created, there are stacks of journals and loads of little pieces of paper with numbers and dates! When the Racetrack closed, Daddy turned his spirit of chance in another direction. His dance with Lady Luck was sometimes fruitful and others not, but he was never deterred and he was always generous whenever she smiled on him. He would call the grandchildren in to give them each a portion of his winnings. We saw many people conferring with him, calling him often to consult on how to set their own dance cards with Lady Luck. Why not? Daddy kept years and years of records.
As God saw fit to slow him down over the past five years or so, he spent a large amount of his time watching daily mass and the rosary, usually with the volume at a much too high level. Everyone knows that no matter how many times a day you asked him how he was doing, his only answer was “By the mercies of the Lord, I will survive”!
Daddy could be very mischievous. His playful banter (especially with Mommy) and his related antics, provide loads of memories for us. He thoroughly enjoyed spirited celebrations; the more spirited the better! Videos of his rocking and dancing in his wheelchair and singing along loudly to the consternation of many, are hilarious and it has brought us much joy to relive those memories over these past few days.
I like to imagine that the spectacular celebrations of Christmas and the sounds of Christmas music from the heavenly hosts both beckoned and accompanied him as he journeyed that night. What a way for him to celebrate Christmas this year! I imagine that it was beyond description to hear the angels singing, especially at this time of year. I have no doubt that he joined the choir with a loud and lusty voice.
Daddy would raise a glass with a sparkling twinkle in his eye and he would say Merry Christmas to all of us here present. He would ask us to wipe our tears, to count the many blessings and to bask in the memory of his life and his love. Speak his name often for his legacy continues. Carry the memory of him into this new year with much hope and gratitude; the glory for all that he was is the Lord’s.
Tina
Survivors:
Wife of 62 years, Shirley Roberts and their children: Venentia (Tina) Cambridge (Arthur), Vincent Roberts (Sharlene), Vicente Roberts (Brandly), VeChenda Roberts & Justin Dames; His children: Colin (Meryl) Ross Butler, Ricardo Bethell, Antonious Roberts, Bruno Roberts (Sonja) & Paulette Poitier; Daughter in Love: Anita Roberts; Siblings: Mark Roberts (Pamela) & Antionette Coakley; Grandchildren: Danah (Perez) Weech, Amaris Albury-Allen, Gemma Cambridge, Vivette, Vydalia (Jay) Thompson, Vashty & Vincent Roberts III, Vito Smith, Sanchez Morley, Vanaeha Roberts, Ayla (Chet) Pratt, Alexis, Justin & Savannah Roberts, Bernard & Brayden Poitier, Justin Dames II; Great Grandchildren: Justyce & Judah, Amari & Aayan, Venique, Angel, Vito Jr., Maverick, Marquaveous & Ivyuna, Sanchez Jr. & Shamai and Jy’Aire; Sisters in Law: Bernadette Wodinsky, Suzy Duncombe, Pamela Roberts, Janice Coakley; Brother in Law: Phillip Wallace; Very many Nieces & Nephews, especially those that stayed close to him: Anastacia, Anthony Brendan, Ana Marisa, Mario, Antonia, Antoire, Bernadette, Nina, Bonnie, Angelo & Marcellus Roberts, Charlann, Monteers, Joy, Lee & Lisa, Leanette & Monique, Stacey & Marissa;
Godchildren: Constance Gibson, Monique Toppin, Gregory Davis, & Sythela Cambridge;
Extended family members and special friends: Larry Demeritte, Gurth Knowles & Dozer Heavy Equipment, Family of the late Molly Davis, Family of the late Captain Ernest & Eula Dean,
Marina McCartney & Family, Family of the late Marcus & Jane Bethel, Scott Godet, Archbishop Patrick Pinder, Msgr. Simeon Roberts and the Roberts family, Fr. Glen Nixon, Fr. Dereveaux King, Deacon Keith Roberts and family, James Smith & Family, Dr. Kevin Simmons & Family, Loretta Butler-Turner, James & Georgina Albury & the Petty/Cash Family, Betty & Terrance Roberts, Tanya Fox, Family of the late Earl Thompson, The extended family of the late Lona Pearl Wells, James Weech & Family, Peter Weech & Family, Family of the late Clarence & Janet Russell, Descendants of Nina & Abraham Roberts, Hilda Moxey & Family, Ethel Davis, Tahurn Thompson & Family, Cyril Marshall & Family, Ruthnell & Autumn Joy Dames and the Dames family, Clint Rowe, Henry Sands, Cecil Moncur, Charlie St. Louis & Family, Delimeme Louis & Family, Dr. Magnus Ekedede, The Oakes Field Community, The Gibson, Robinson, Robins, Rolle, Saunders, Graham, Sherman, Knowles, Gomez, Ramsey and Outten families, The island community of Bimini; Care Givers: Desma Clarke & Granelda Sands; And a host of other cherished friends and relatives who loved and admired him.
At his request, cremation to follow services.
In lieu of floral tributes please consider making a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society for the Poor ℅ St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.
ORDER OF SERVICE
Antiphon (together): I place all my trust in You my God: All my hope is in your saving word.
Celebrant: Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. People: O let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading.
Celebrant: If You, O Lord, should mark our guilt; Lord, who would survive?
People: But with You is found forgiveness: For this we revere You.
Celebrant: My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on His Word: People: My soul is longing for the Lord more than the watchman for daybreak.
Celebrant: Because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption. People: Israel indeed He will redeem from all its iniquity.
Celebrant: To the Father Almighty give glory; give glory to His Son. People: To the Spirit most holy, give praise, whose reign is for ever.
Antiphon (together): I place all my trust in You my God: All my hope is in your saving word.
GREETING
Celebrant: The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. People: And with your spirit.
BLESSING OF THE BODY
Celebrant: I bless + the body of Vincent with the holy water that recalls his baptism of which St. Paul writes: All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death. By baptism into His death, we were buried together with Him, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with Him by likeness to His death, so shall we be united with Him by likeness to His resurrection.
ENTRANCE HYMN | “For All The Saints”
For all the saints who from their labours rest, who the by faith before the world confest, thy name, O Jesus be for ever blest. Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might; thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; thou in the darkness drear their one true light. Alleluia, alleluia!
PLACING OF THE PALL
O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, and win, with them, the victor’s crown of gold. Alleluia, alleluia!
O blest communion! fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. Alleluia, alleluia!
Celebrant: On the day of his Baptism, Vincent put on Christ. On the day of Christ’s coming, may he be clothed in glory. People: Amen.
CEREMONY OF THE PASCHAL CANDLE
Celebrant: Behold the light of Christ. People: Thanks be to God.
Celebrant: I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he dies; yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?
People: Yes! We believe that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Son of God, he who is to come into the world.
Celebrant: We must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; night comes when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)
Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And with your spirit.
Celebrant: Let us pray: Almighty Father, You raised Your Son Jesus Christ from the dead so that we who believe Him to be the Light of the world may, with Him, be brought to the fullness of life in His resurrection. Grant, we ask You, that our brother, Vincent who has left this world might merit Your forgiveness for the sins which he may have committed and inherit eternal life through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. People: Amen.
(Please be seated)
LITURGY OF THE WORD
FIRST READING | Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9 | Mr. Anthony Brendan Christie (Nephew)
RESPONSORIAL | Psalm 23
SECOND READING | Romans 5:17-21 | Ms. Jeanette Davis (Neighbor and Friend)
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION | (Please stand)
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them. Alleluia, Alleluia!
GOSPEL
(After the Gospel, please be seated.)
HOMILY
(After the Homily, please stand for the Intercessions)
INTERCESSIONS
(After Intercessions, please be seated.)
PRESENTATION OF GIFTS | Anastasia Turnquest and Stacey Moultrie (Nieces)
PREPARATION OF THE ALTAR
OFFERTORY HYMN | “Take My Life And Let It Be”
Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee; Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise. Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move At the impulse of thy love. Take my feet, and let them be Swift and purposeful for thee. Swift and purposeful for thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing Always, only for my King. Take my intellect, and use Every power as thou shalt choose. Every power as thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it thine: It shall be no longer mine. Take my heart; it is thine own: It shall be thy royal throne. It shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour At thy feet its treasure-store. Take myself, and I will be Ever, only, all for thee. Ever, only, all for thee.
Celebrant: Pray brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father. People: May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of His Name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.
(Please stand)
- LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST –THE PREFACE
SANCTUS
People: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
(Please kneel)
PROCLAMATION OF FAITH
Celebrant: The mystery of faith. People: We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
DOXOLOGY
Celebrant: Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours, forever and ever.
People: Amen.
(Please stand)
- THE COMMUNION RITE –
Celebrant: Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Saviour gave us:
People: THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Celebrant: Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant us peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
People: For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
People: And with your spirit.
PEACE HYMN | “There’s A Sweet, Sweet Spirit”
There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place, And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord; There are sweet expressions on each face, And I know that it’s the presence of the Lord.
Chorus
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly dove, Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love; And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise Without a doubt we know that we’ll have been revived, When we shall leave this place.
There are blessings you cannot receive, ‘Till you know Him in His fullness and believe; You’re the one to profit when you say, “I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.”
If you say He saved you from your sin, Now you’re weak, you’re bound and cannot enter in; You can make it right if you will yield, You’ll enjoy the Holy Spirit that we feel.
(After the ‘Lamb of God,’ please kneel.)
COMMUNION HYMN | “I Am The Bread of Life”
I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall not hunger; he who believes in me shall not thirst. No one can come to me unless the Father draw him.
And I will raise him up, and I will raise him up, and I will raise him up on the last day.
The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world, and he who eats of this bread, he shall live for ever, he shall live for ever.
And I will raise him up, and I will raise him up, and I will raise him up on the last day.
Unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man and drink of his blood, and drink of his blood, you shall not have life within you.
And I will raise him up, and I will raise him up, and I will raise him up on the last day.
I am the resurrection, I am the life. He who believes in me even if he die, he shall live for ever.
And I will raise him up, and I will raise him up, and I will raise him up on the last day.
Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world.
And I will raise him up, and I will raise him up, and I will raise him up on the last day.
COMMUNION MEDITATION | Solo, Alena Munnings
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
(Please stand for the Prayer of Commendation)
FINAL COMMENDATION
(Pall is removed and body is incensed in silence)
Celebrant: Let us pray:
Trusting in God, we have prayed together for Vincent and now we come to the last farewell. There is sadness in parting, but we take comfort in the hope that one day we shall see Vincent again and enjoy his friendship. Although this congregation will disperse in sorrow, the mercy of God will gather us together again in the joy of His kingdom. Therefore, let us console one another in the faith of Jesus Christ.
SONG OF FAREWELL
Celebrant: Saints of God, come to his aid! Come to meet him angels of the Lord. People: Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
Celebrant: May Christ, who called you, take you to Himself, may angels lead you to Abraham’s side. People: Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
Celebrant: Give him eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on him forever. People: Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
PRAYER OF COMMENDATION
Celebrant:
To you, O Lord, we commend the soul of Vincent your servant; in the sight of this world he is now dead; in your sight may he live forever. Forgive whatever sins he has committed through human weakness and in your goodness grant him everlasting peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
People: Amen.
RECESSIONAL
HYMN | “Guide Me Oh Thy Great Redeemer”
Guide me, O thou great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land,
I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more, feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing stream doth flow. Let the fire and cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through. Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer, be thou still my strength and shield, be thou still my strength and shield.
At his request, cremation to follow the service. There will be no repass.
When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside. Death of death, and hell’s destruction, land me safe on Canaan’s side. Songs of praises, songs of praises I will ever give to thee, I will ever give to thee.
time you were here with us. I want to thank you for everything you did for me. You were always a great provider, who never thought anything was ever too good for our family. Daddy, the legacy you have left with us will never be forgotten. I promise to keep your memory alive.
I know that you are now with God, and have gotten your wings. I know that you will continue to watch over us and that you have become one of my guardian angels.
Rest now in peace daddy, you said you were ready to go to Jesus. You will always be in my heart.
Love you always.
Your daughter,
VeChenda
TRIBUTE TO MY BIG BROTHER BY ANTOINETTE COAKLEY
St. Vincent de Paul Justin Roberts was my big brother, my champion, the man-of-the-house, and the patriarch of our family. Being the oldest of 10 children of Irwin and Hazel Roberts when our father died, I, the seventh, was only a toddler, and our youngest brother was only a baby, I knew only him as the man of the house. He was this throughout my upbringing and I admired and loved him throughout life. No matter whatever the wave of life brought, my big brother saw us safely through.
His life was successful as he navigated through it, building his own family and great business support. He always kept as his priority the value of family. I cherish the lessons he taught and the love he showed that I have passed on to my family. His love lives forever.
GRAMPY,
Bold, hardworking, trailblazer, self-made, successful, generous provider, are all adjectives many would use to describe you. But, I got to experience your softer side. To me, you were a fun loving, proud grandfather. My fondest memory of you is our monthly Sunday adventures. It always included ice cream coupled with a glass bottom boat excursion or visiting the sheikh’s residence to see the exotic animals. Your terrible driving was a part of the adventure too! That was ‘our time’. You were happy to show off your grand-babies during those excursions.
You were always extremely proud of all of my accomplishments, from university to getting married, starting a family of my own and Perez and I building our home. You made it a point to map out the earth works for our lot and gave your Dozer crew instructions from your wheelchair. You were adamant about doing your part to help us. You have always been one of my biggest cheerleaders. It has been heartwarming to see you beam with pride at your great grands . You always let Judah know how proud you were about his passion for basketball and Justyce about his artwork. You also let them know that both talents are ‘in the genes’ and you were convinced they inherited these talents from you. You humored all their antics and were simply happy to have them around. How I will miss our daily check ins and your immediate, “how are my boys?”. I know that you will check in on us still and continue to beam down with pride.
With Love, Danah Justine
GRAMPY,
You were always so full of life, yet stern. When you were up, everyone reaped the benefits of your joy, and when you were down, we all carried your pain. But oh, when you were worried, your concern would escalate, and you became an overly compassionate being. You were so expressive, always finding ways to call and let us know just how much you cared.
Christmas Day will never be the same for me. But I find comfort in knowing that, even in your final days, you always remembered your Troy. What brought me deep joy, though, was seeing how encouraging and attentive you were to my children’s growth and milestones. You would always say, “Where is my boy? Did he win his race? Where is my girl? She’s a superstar!”
When it came to me, even when you recognized my hurt, your eyes always conveyed that you knew I could handle it. Losing you is when I truly realized that my “fight” came from you. Thank you for always being a pillar of strength and protection for your grandchildren. Thank you for the life lessons and the memories you gave us during our younger years—memories we can now share with our own children.
Thank you for the fight. Heaven needed you more than I do, and I know that every day, with every step I take, you’ll be looking down on me—peacefully and proudly. Forever missing you, Grampy. Sleep peacefully.
Love, Amaris Troy
My grandfather was an inspirational man with such a rich history. Not only was he an inspiration, but he was also very proud of his children & grandchildren. He was always there to celebrate my achievements, no matter how big or small, and he had this way of making me feel like I could conquer anything. He believed in me so much that he declared that one of the buildings on the hill should be mine to one day start my own prac tice. Grampy, I love you and will miss you dearly. Even though this feels so hard I know that “by the mercies of the Lord I’ll survive” and I will continue to do my best to “bring home the bacon” as you encouraged me to. I will always make you proud. -Gem
A LETTER TO THE ONE AND ONLY GRANDFATHER I HAD
First let me express how deeply I miss you and how of ten you’re on my mind every day. The bond between a grandchild and their grandparent is truly one of a kind, forged through a lifetime of unwavering love, care, and selflessness. My beloved grandfather, you’ll forever be my guardian angel, watching over me from above. In moments of quiet reflection, I find solace in knowing that though you’re no longer with me physically, your spirit lives on, and I’ve gained an angel who will eternally be by my side.
Whenever memories of our last conversation flood my mind, I’m met with the vivid image of your radiant smile, and it fills my heart with joy. Your loving voice still echoes within me, reminding me to stay true to my roots and proudly celebrate my island heritage. Though I regret not spending more time with you, I find comfort in knowing that the memories we shared will be a last ing treasure, inspiring me to live a life that honors your legacy. I love you forever and always.
Your Granddaughter, Vettie
Grampy there was never a dull moment when you were around. You would always lift me up and make me laugh and smile. Every time, even in your last days in pain you made me laugh! Grampy you were a treasure trove of wisdom and stories. Your weathered hands and twinkling eyes held a lifetime of experience that you generously shared with all of us: from tales of his journey during the depression to stories of your adventures as a young man! Grampy, you had a way of making history come alive. You taught us the value of resilience, the importance of family and the power of good stories well told. Your legacy lives on in the values you instilled in us and the memories we will cherish forever.
Though you are no longer here to make us laugh, the lessons you imparted will guide us through our own life’s journey. Your greatest gift to me was not the toys that you gave me from time to time or the things you did for me, but the knowledge you passed down and the time you invested in me! That was the greatest gift of all!
Vito
Grampy was the ultimate supporter. He had a way of making everyone around him feel special. His sweet smile and belly laugh would fill every room he entered. You’d take his warmth with you wherever you go.
I’m going to miss his salt and pepper beard tickling my forehead when he’d bend down to kiss me, and the reassuring sound of his voice when he’d ask, “ How’s my good looking girl?”.
I’ll miss him telling me how proud he was of me and all of his grandchildren. I’ll miss the stories he told each Christmas as he drank a glass of Courvoisier. Most of all, I’ll cherish the moment he met my baby boy Maverick and said, “ My boy’s home and he’s handsome just like me.” Grampy was one of a kind, and his kindness, love for life and people are irreplaceable.
Rest in eternal peace Grampy.
Your granddaughter, Antonia
Grampy was truly a force to be reckoned with. His presence was bold and unapologetic, and whether intentionally or unintentionally he taught us that our voices were meant to be heard. He was a man who did not shy away from difficult conversations, always speaking his mind with conviction.
Grampy’s character was not humble, but it was authentic. He was a man who lived life on his own terms, unafraid to stand up for what he believed in or what he wanted. He was a beacon of strength and courage, showing us that it is okay to speak up and to speak out. He was Mr. Money Man but somehow simultaneously he taught us the importance of hard work, shelling boxes of peas, picking mangoes or avocados for ice cream or dominoes money. I even learned to demand more, stop operations and the idea of unfair wages in an unorthodox way.
Through his example, Grampy instilled in us the importance of standing up for what is right, even if it’s just right to us, and even when it is difficult. He showed us that our voices have power, and that we should never be afraid to use them. Grampy may no longer be with us, but his spirit lives on in all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. We will carry his lessons with us always, remembering his boldness, his strength, and his unwavering commitment to speaking his truth.
Rest in peace, Grampy. Your voice will echo in our hearts forever. Thank you for feeding my pizza habit every-time I asked and for showing me the power of speaking up in a world that tries to keep us quiet.
Vydalia
MY DEAREST BIG BROTHER,
My witness and my testimony declares my love for you and without hesitation I embraced you completely as my Daddy Justin too. Having lost our father at my tender tender age, you quickly stepped into my life. Ever so large, mighty and so tall, with your tender loving hands, you carried me throughout my young journey to reach my proudest stage. I fully embrace and see cherished values shared from your life story engraved on every page. Values of compassion, humility and generosity in our family and throughout our community. I watched you serve with thanksgiving and godly praise. You once told me, “ If you can’t count, you can’t lead,” and you quickly taught me how to count. Little did I know then, but now I know, everything you do counts for something.
You have been counted on by so many and for so long in countless ways and now I clearly understand another one of your treasured lessons. Fruitfulness is in multiplying your gifts to serve God’s purpose. Your gifts which you’ve shared so unselfishly with purpose. I will always cherish and treasure that so dearly. I salute you Daddy Justin with the greatest honor, with pride and a heart so full of never ending assurance that we will meet again around the table of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A peaceful rest awaits you Daddy Justin.
-Celly Roberts
MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE
We, the family extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the many friends and family for each and every act of kindness shown to us during this most difficult time. Your prayers, visits, calls, messages and well wishes will always be remembered.
We Sincerely Thank Everyone of You.
The Family
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Vincent Roberts (II)
Vicente Roberts
Ricardo Bethel
Collin Ross Butler
Antonious Roberts
Bruno Roberts
Mark Roberts
Marcus Dean
Gurth Knowles
Larry Demeritte
Phillip Wallace
Arthur Gibson
Charlie St. Louis
Henry Sands
Delimeme Louis
PALLBEARERS
Vito Smith
Vincent Roberts (III)
Anthony Brendon Christie
Mario Roberts
Perez Weech
Justin Dames
Sanchez Morley
Travis Davis
Funeral Service Entrusted To:
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665)
Mobile: (242) 818-3478
SCAN HERE
