PRESIDING
Rev Dr. Lois Giles
Seven Light Baptist Church, Bronx, NY
PROCESSIONAL
PRAYER of COMFORT
Bernard Bowen
SELECTION
Old Testament (Psalm 23) - Karen Pridgen
New Testament (14: 1-6) - Onetha Bell
REMARKS
Letter From Sister
OBITUARY
Elder Dr. Dawn Heywood
SELECTION
EULOGY
Rev. Lois Giles
SELECTION
FINAL VIEWING
COMMITTAL & BENEDICTION
RECESSIONAL
Ronald Gittens Jr., affectionately known as Poppa, was born on December 19, 1972, in New York City to the late Ronald Gittens Sr. and Betty Jean-Hodges Gittens. He departed this life on January 13, 2026. Ronald was raised with strong family values, faith, and love. As a child and teenager, Ronald attended LaGree Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, where his spiritual foundation was nurtured. He was educated in the New York City public school system and attended Martin Luther King High School.
From an early age, Ronald was known for his high-spirited nature and striking good looks. His sister often teased him, saying he was Rapper LL Cool J’s twin—a joke that always brought smiles. Ronald’s magnetic personality, unique swagger, impeccable style, and charming smile naturally drew people to him, earning him lifelong friendships wherever he went.
Ronald had a genuine love for life. He especially loved cooking and took great joy in inviting family over to share meals—most famously his fish and shrimp dishes. His passion for cooking led him to work at A Dash of Soul restaurant in Harlem, where his talent flourished through recipes lovingly developed alongside his late mother, Betty.
Ronald was deeply devoted to his family and friends. He never missed a family gathering. He was always present—ready to help, lend support, and give generously of himself. He cherished the time spent with his siblings, with whom he shared a special and unbreakable bond. Ronald adored his nieces and nephews and took great pride in building lasting relationships with his loving aunts, cousins and childhood friends, many of whom remained close throughout his life.
Ronald met Tawnette “Lucky” Watkins, and together they shared a loving and devoted partnership that spanned over 20 years. Their life together was filled with love, laughter, and companionship. Ronald created countless cherished memories with Tawnette, the children, and grandchildren, all of whom held a special place in his heart.
With the heart and determination of a lion, Ronald met life head-on. He never complained, nor did he allow life’s obstacles to stand in the way of his joy, love, or resilience.
Ronald leaves behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and love. He will forever be remembered and cherished by his loving partner Twanette; children, Tiani, Tyrie and Terrelle; grandchildren, Tia, Miles and Felix; stepmother, Andrea; godmother, Dorothy Williams; brothers, Samuel (Shanell), Laron, Ron G, Adrian, Archell, Avery, Aryan; sisters, Thomasina, Adasha, Alecia, Karen; god-sister, Kiera; godbrother, Mikey; nieces and nephews, Gregory, Ciara, Leilani, Sa’Niya, Christian, La’Ron,Jayceon, Carter and Cameryn; his uncles, Melvin, Calvin (Pam); his aunts, Phyllis, Brenda (Lonnie), Denise (Boobee), Francine (Tasha), Denise, his great-aunt Louise; his great-uncle Junior; favorite assistant, Alice and a host of close cousins, family, extended family, and friends that loved him dearly.
Ronald’s smile, spirit, and love will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew him.
ALe er From Your Sister
Poppa, you were my very first best friend. Growing up, there was no Deedee without Poppa. We shared so many fun and unforgettable memories together, no matter which paths life led us down. Through it all, we were always close and shared a bond that could never be broken—near or far, we were always just a phone call away.
I will never forget how we showed up for one another throughout the years. You loved my children as if they were your own, and you were always there for your niece and nephew. Your presence in their lives meant everything, and it always will.
No matter what dream or idea I had—from opening a restaurant to becoming an entrepreneur—you were always ready, willing, and able to lend a helping hand. Every party I planned for your niece and nephew, you would always ask, “What do you need? How can I help?” That was who you were—selfless, supportive, and full of love.
Even though my heart is broken and I am deeply saddened by your unexpected passing, looking through pictures and reminiscing reminds me that we truly enjoyed life together. We laughed, we loved, and we stood by one another through every season.
One moment that will forever live in my heart was during COVID, when you were in Harlem Hospital for over a month. There was no iPad for families to communicate with their loved ones, so we sprang into action, raised money, and donated iPads to Harlem Hospital so families could stay connected. Because of that, I was able to speak with your nurses and communicate with you daily. I will never forget the day you opened your eyes, and the very first thing you said on that iPad was, “Hello, sister.”
You were a strong man—fearless, determined, and unshakable. You played no games and tackled every obstacle life placed in your path. Words cannot fully express the depth of my sorrow or how much you will be missed.
I love you, Poppa. May you rest peacefully with Mom, Dad, our aunties, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and all those who went before you. Until we meet again in spirit, know that you will forever live in my heart.
Rest well, my big brother.
I love you always. Adasha
Brother,
You were my very first role model—everything a little brother should look up to. There wasn’t a moment I didn’t want to be right under you. You taught me how to do wheelies on my very first Power Wheels. You taught me to be fearless, courageous, and to stand on my own—and for that, I’m forever thankful. Those lessons helped shape me into the man I’ve become.
I remember asking Momma if I could get a tattoo when I was 14, and she told me no—but I did it anyway. Your name was the very first tattoo I ever got. The words “My Brother’s Keeper” weren’t just something you said—they were something you truly lived by. You were there for me every step of the way, and I appreciate and love you forever for that. I’m sad and heartbroken to see you go, but I know you’re in a better place now, watching over me with the rest of the angels.
I appreciate every conversation, every argument, every fight, and every hug we ever shared.
Forever your baby brother, Sammieo
Baby Sister,
Growing up as the little sister, I always looked forward to the spoiled baby treatment from my older siblings. With you, I got that,but I also got the real big-brother side. No matter what, you always kept it real and spoke from the heart. Every time I saw you, it was, “Hey sis, how you doing? You good?” Or you’d say, “Don’t be out there messing with those knuckleheads let ’em know you got a big brother.” Knowing I had someone who was always just a phone call away meant more to me than you’ll ever know.
When Leilani came along, you scooped her right up and gave her the same uncle love you gave all your nieces and nephews. To this day, I still blame you and Didi for giving her that jumbo-size rib on Thanksgiving when she was only two years old—which somehow became one of her favorite foods.
I’m so grateful we got the chance to see you during the holidays. Even then, no matter how you were feeling or what you were dealing with, you stayed strong and positive. Always trying to find ways to help the family. For that, I’ll be forever thankful.
I won’t question why things happened the way they did. Instead, I’ll hold on to the good memories we shared while we had you here. You’ll be deeply missed, but I find comfort knowing you’re finally at peace.
Continue to watch over us like you always did.
Love you, Poppa
~Thomasina
Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly on a chair. Perhaps you sent a flower. If so, we saw it there. Perhaps she spoke the kindest words that anyone could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much, whatever the part.
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