Mrs. Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck Memorial Service Program

Celebration of the life of Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

Lord God of Sabaoth Lutheran Church Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands Friday, December 27, 2013 Veiwing: 9:00 a.m. ~ Service: 10:00 a.m.

Pastor Gerald Williams Asst. Minister: Chesley S. Roebuck

order of service Eulogy Dr. Olaf Hendricks Words of Consolation Page 206 Processional Hymn

How Great Thou Art

Prayer of the Day Page 207 1st Lesson

Ecclesiastics 3:1-12

Marc Biggs

Psalm 23 Christina L. Perez Hymn

Just a Closer Walk With Thee

Congregation

2nd Lesson

Romans 8:31-35-37-39

Honorable Raymond L. Finch

The Holy Gospel Pastor Gerald Williams Hymn Lead Me Guide Me Congregation Sermon Pastor Gerald Williams Hymn

O Master Let Me Walk With Thee

Congregation

The Apostle’s Creed Congregation The Prayers of the Faithful

Pastor Chesley S. Roebuck

Sharing of the Peace Congregation The Holy Eucharist The Dialouge The Lord’s Prayer Congregation Holy Communion Hymn

He Looked Beyond My Fault

Congregation

Tribute Ullmont “Lenny” James Solo Maren E. Roebuck Commendation Pastor Gerald Williams Recessional Hymn I’ll Fly Away Congregation Committal Family Residence, Roebuckville Assisting Minister Pastor Chesley S. Roebuck

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Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck

biography

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elen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck was born on January 24, 1922 to George and Augusta Danielson Moorhead. She was the last of eight children. In 1941, she married Richard Reuben Roebuck Sr. and from that union came six children: Richard Jr., Chesley, Joy, Radiance, Aileen and Harold.

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n 1943, Helen and Richard purchased land in Estate Solitude in the east end of St. Croix, known today as “Roebuckville.” Helen knew Richard’s great passion for animals and in the 1950s, she encouraged his decision to move their family to Estate Solitude to live and to develop an animal farm.

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olitude Farms became one of the main suppliers of milk to Island Dairies for several decades and was a major egg producer on St. Croix through the family’s hard work and dedication. In addition to raising a family and running the businesses, Helen and Richard were also known for their love of horse racing. They spent many afternoons with their family cheering at horse tracks in St. Croix and Puerto Rico, and they enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the United States with family and friends. Additionally, the Roebuck house was known for many political and social events.

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s a young woman, Helen captured the title of Miss May Queen on or about May 1940. She was honored later in life by the St. Croix Horsemen Association, which recognized her on May 14, 1967 as the “The Horsemen’s Mother of the Year.” On Oct. 29, 2006, the St. Croix Democratic Party presented her with the Alexander A. Farrelly Lifetime Achievement Award to the People of St. Croix in recognition of her dedication and services. Helen also was an active church member during her lifetime and served as an organist, choir member, Sunday school teacher and altar guild for the Christiansted Lutheran Church.

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elen’s employment included working at Crawford’s Travel, Sears Roebuck & Company, Pan American Airways and Hayes & Company and she also assisted her husband with the family butcher shop located in Watergut.

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elen was a great woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, greatgreat grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. In addition to touching the lives of numerous Virgin Islanders, Helen’s legacy and memory will live on in her 19 grandchildren, 33 great- grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Our feisty Matriarch of Estate Solitude, affectionately known as “Muddah,” lived by her mottos “Keep God Close” and “Family Is Everything.” May her soul rest in peace.

January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

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family and friends Preceded in death Richard Reuben Roebuck, Sr. - Husband Radiance Moorhead Barrow - Sister William Garcia - Grandson

Survivors Daughters:

Joy R. Perez, Radiance R. Irwin, Aileen R. Biggs

Sons:

Richard Reuben Roebuck, Jr., Chesley Roebuck, Harold Roebuck, Sr.

Grandchildren:

Richard III, Robert, Kelley, Jeanine, Christina, Renee, Marrissa, Neelia, Jamalia, James, Akida, Harold, Jr., Hasheem, Mario, Halima, Jamal, Jamara, & Ariyanna

Great Grandchildren:

Brittany, Ryan, Richard IV, Aolanea Sierra, Tristan, Benjamin, Jenell, Jeneé, Brianna, Kianna, Kayla, Omar, Juwan, Akeem, Akim, Akeel, Elijah, Jonathan, Ean, Earl, Jamalia, Ja’Deja, Jeniya, Harold, III, Josiah, Jamar, Kayla, Leeana, Jamal, Jr., Je’Laisah, Je’Sai, Je’Niiah

Great Great Grandchildren:

Madison & Deandre

Daughters-In-Law:

Joanne Coughlin, Natalie Vidal-Roebuck

Sons-In-Law:

Jaime Perez, Reuben Irwin, Marc Biggs

Sister-In-Law:

Anita Moorhead

Brother-In-Law:

Earl G. Roebuck

Nieces & Nephew:

Geraine Armstrong, Maren Roebuck & Colin Moorland

Great Nieces & Nephews:

Chalma, Vonnie, Colin, Jr., Kyra, Norman, Jr., Adrian

Great Great Nieces & Nephews: Dominic, Agnes, Wayne, Norman III, Adrian, Kaitlin, Kadyn, Josslyn

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Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck

family and friends Adopted Sons:

Carl L. Pereira, Daryl (Micky) Lynch, Selwyn Willocks, Senator Neville James, Earl Roebuck, Daryl Bartley, Rally Watson, Atiba Rivera, Glenn Krigger, Elroy “Pico” Pickering

Adopted Grandchildren: Adrian Ricketts, James and Sophia Delano God Children:

Honorable Raymond L. Finch, Michelle Branch, Lynelle Emanuel, Charles Capehart, Michael Olaf Henemann, Owen Henemann & Ivy Dorsey

Extended Families

Roebuck, Moorhead, Danielson, Mary Roebuck, Janette Garcia, Tessa Prentice, Finch, Bough, Adams, Canton, Lang, O’Reilly, Todmann, Maria Roebuck, Vidal, Henneman, Asta James & family, Ullmont “Lenny” James, Henry Williams & family, Dolores Roebuck, Vernon “Heavy” Vegas

Close Friends

Dr. & Mrs. Ralph de Chabert, Dr. & Mrs. Jose Poblete, Dr. & Mrs. Olaf Hendricks, Dr. & Mrs. Anthony Ricketts, Dr. & Mrs. Emanuel Delano, Pastor Gerald Williams, Gov. & Mrs. John P. de Jongh, Jr., Delegate to Congress Donna Marie Christensen, Mrs. Melba Biggs & family, Mr. & Mrs. Benito Torres, James Ross & family, Senator Adelbert Bryan, Canegata family, Claire and Monique Motta & family, Skov family, Senator John Bell, Mrs. Elaine Irwin & family, Barbara Samuel, Mr. & Mrs. Julio Encarnacion & family, Mr. & Mrs. Luis (Negro) Encarnacion & family, Bonnie Preiss, Mr. & Mrs. Keith Fludd, Letty Williams, Valerie Daley, Loretta La Franque, Beverly Williams, Charles Farrell, Ana Schuster & family, Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Walcott & family, Lillian Jacobs & Tutein family, Mrs. Olga Cintron, Ernestine Corbitt & family, Sharon Heidman family, Basilio Felix & family, Mrs. Zell, Leola Carroll, Nelthropp family, Lee J. Rohn, Camacho family, Mario Moorhead, Armancia Watts & family, Alice Richardson, Jose Garcia, Ann Golden & family, Steele family, Mary George, Nieves family, Luella Benjamin, Rivera family, Barbara Gibbs, Mr. & Mrs. Albert Schuster, Gustave & Sarah Harvey & family, Allan & Mable Brady & family, Marc & Brenda, Guillermo “Gigi” Encarnacion & family, Schjang family, Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel, Gittens family, Tony Felix & family, Junior White.

Mrs. Helen J. Roebuck is also survived by many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Caregivers

Tamara Hurley, Olivena Charles and Linda Innocence

Pallbearers

Richard Roebuck, III. Harold Roebuck, Sr., Jamal Roebuck, Sr., James Ross, Jr., Omar Springette, Hasheem Roebuck

Honorary Pallbearers

Jaime Perez, Reuben Irwin, Marc Biggs, Jaime Santos, Samuel Davis, William Roebuck, Jr., Tomas Rivera, Joe Bradford, Stanley Sneed, Colin Moorhead, Honorable Raymond L. Finch

January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

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tributes

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Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck

tributes

To the Family of Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck I was saddened to hear that the Matriarch of the Roebuck Family, Helen Moorhead Roebuck, had passed away.

While she was here amongst us, she became a wife; a mother; grand, great grand and great, great grandmother; to four generations of Roebucks. During that time, Mrs. Roebuck was a friend to many and a special friend to my grandmother, Elena L. Christian; during the decades that St. Croix progressed from a rural agrarian island to the industrialized, choice residential living area that we find today.

Her husband, Richard, certainly did not miss the fact that Mrs. Roebuck was a distinct beauty in her day. It was in the role of a wife, as a mother and as a consistent friend that Mrs. Roebuck established herself in the St. Croix community. Mrs. Roebuck was active in the Lord God of Sabaoth Lutheran Church in Christiansted as the organist and a Sunday school teacher. During the week she worked at the Crawford Travel Agency, the agent for Pan American World Airways.

She worked with her husband when he opened his butcher shop and was at his side when he realized his dream of acquiring a farm in east end, the driest part of St. Croix. A farmer’s life is a difficult one in battling the elements and the scarcity of precious water, but the team of Richard and Helen established the farm that was a major supplier of milk to St. Croix Diaries for several decades. The farm also thrived in many ways; it became the major egg producer on the island and was the home of horses that made history in the Mannings Bay Race Track. Mrs. Roebuck was an avid race horse enthusiast.

The land that Mr. Roebuck acquired was flat in some parts, but had breath taking views of Buck Island along with stunning backdrops of the islands to the north east and the north west. As east end became one of the prime residential areas of St. Croix, the first homes started being built in Estate Solitude and then fanned out to the neighboring areas.

Mr. Roebuck also started Roe-Win heavy equipment company and built the homes that comprise Roebuckville. It was the shrewd, savvy, investment and business strategies of Mrs. Roebuck that kept the businesses flourishing.

On behalf of my family, staff and the Members of the 113th Congress of the United States of America, that I extend my condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Helen Moorhead Roebuck. May God continue to comfort and bless her family, friends and that all will be sustained by the knowledge that many share your loss.

May Mrs. Roebuck rest in peace.

Sincerely,

Donna M. Christensen Member of Congress January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

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tributes Mommy, Gone but Not Forgotten We sat beside your bedside, Our hearts were crushed and sore; We did our best to the end, ‘Til we could do no more.

In tears we watched you sinking, We watched you fade away; And though our hearts were breaking, We knew you could not stay.

You left behind some aching hearts, That loved you most sincere; We never shall and never will Forget you Mother dear.

Three and a half years ago when you fell and broke your ankle we tried to get you to do some exercises and you gave us such a hard time. When Helen Roebuck made up her mind and opened her mouth everyone got in line and followed orders. It was her way or no way! “Muddah” was the boss of all bosses right down to the end.

As we look through pictures I reminisce on so many memories and great times we had as a family. Unforgettable and irreplaceable family memories, I will cherish them forever.

After 14 years and 5 months you finally got your wish to be with Daddy. Roebuckville will never be the same again. Your presence will truly be missed, especially at our family gatherings. You lived an amazing life and enjoyed it to the fullest.

I want to Thank You and Daddy for all you’ve done for my family. We are forever grateful to have been loved by you both. Rest in peace our Guardian Angels.

Love always, Joy and Jimmy

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Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck

tributes “…The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.” - Ps. 112:6

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uddah, yoh gohn dryve me toh drink rum!” Those were almost Aileen’s last words to you before she quickly leaned over and whispered, “I love you, Muddah”, in your ear. Being there when that exchange took place, I am certain that you heard her, because at that very moment, I can swear I saw you smile. And what a smile it was… A soul-filled smile… One that only loving spirits could see. We will always keep your in our hearts.

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ou were such an amazing woman – a GIANT of a woman in such a small frame – as a friend of mine described you to me! He could not have been more right. Who would of thought that a woman weighing only 110 pounds could be so powerful as to raise six (6) beautiful children, while running a business and a household on a farm somewhere out in the east end, where virtually no one resided. But you did it, and you did it in grand fashion. You have left behind a legacy of love, faith, and fortitude, and it lives on in your children, grandchildren, and the many other lives that were touched by you. We will miss you.

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will miss seeing your face light up every time I entered your room and told you “I love you!” we will miss the tenacity you displayed when defending your loved ones, and the feisty spirit you exhibited whenever discussing controversial matters. We will miss hearing you speak of the love you had for your husband, Richard (the ONLY man for you). But, most of all, we will miss the warmth that emanated from you every time we were in your presence. To feel love like that is the greatest feeling in the world, and we were fortunate enough to experience it. We thank you for that, Muddah! We will always love you!

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t has been said that to love much, to laugh often, and to inspire the respect of others is the true measure of a life well-lived. For those of us who ascribe to that philosophy, it is clear that you lived a wonderful and life-filled life. As you take your rightful place in God’s heavenly kingdom and watch over us from above, know that you are loved, missed, and genuinely appreciated; and that you will be kept in everlasting remembrance.

With Fondest and Most Loving Memories of You, Aileen & Markie

January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

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tributes

Dear Mommy, Words cannot explain the pain that I am feeling right now. I find comfort in remembering the good times that we spent together. I am so happy that we were able to spend time in Florida with the grands and great-grands. I am also very grateful to have had a mother like you. You were my shining star.

I am so thankful that on Wednesday morning God gave me the last chance to be able to say “I love you” and kiss you on the forehead before going to work. You also replied that you loved me and kissed me on the cheek. We always told each other our little secrets. It was very heartbreaking on Sunday when we all saw you take your last breath. When we got home the house felt so strange and empty without you.

You have now gone on to a better place. You are in God’s hand. You are now with Daddy, William and Aunt Rae. You have now gone on to receive your angel wings.

Say hello to Dad, William and Aunt Rae. Rest in peace, my beloved mother.

I will truly miss you and I love you very much. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being my mom. You will forever be in my heart. It would take me a lifetime to fully express my love for you so go on and rest. Rest in peace, Mommy.

Your loving daughter, Radiance

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Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck

tributes Loving, Compassionate, Courageous, Honest, Determined and Beautiful are just a few words that come to mind when we think of you. You were a phenomenal woman who brought so much joy to many people. “Muddah” no words can describe the pain that we are experiencing at this time and how much we are going to miss you.

We have so many wonderful memories of you that we will cherish forever.

You were the strength of the family and will always be remembered for your kind and loving ways.

Even though this is a very difficult time for us, we are comforted by the fact that you are no longer in pain and you are in a better place reunited with Dad. How fortunate we are to have known you, loved you and been loved by you.

May Your Soul Rest In Peace Love Always: Christina & Brianna

The dictionary defines the word Life as the period between birth and death. It is how we live our lives that define our very existence.

Today we bring light and celebrate the Life of Helen Jocelyn Roebuck affectionately known to us as “Motha”.

Through your existence we were nurtured and transparently understood the value of Family and true Love. The essence of faith and loving thy neighbor.

We will cherish every unforgettable moment that we created together and will pass along your memory and teachings to our generations to come.

Motha we love you, we miss you, and will forever keep you in our hearts.

Rest in eternal peace and in the presence of God!

The Vegas Family

January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

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tributes

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randma, you were second to none, top of the line, proud, feisty and so much more. We have a deep appreciation and overwhelming gratitude for the presence you’ve had in our lives. Growing up we thought “Mudda” will always be here; If only you could’ve stayed just a little while longer. Just one more Christmas, New Year, birthday, Easter, but although your spirit was strong, your body was weak. God saw you struggle and felt your pain. He held out his hand, and with your last breath you held it tight. He took you home....No more pain....No more struggles. It was hard saying goodbye, but knowing “Dad”, your beloved Richie, was there to greet you, made it a little easier for us to let go. We will shed lots of tears, but eventually we’ll smile as we think about the life you’ve lived and the memories we’ve made.

We love you Grandma, Rest in Peace.

Love Always, Jeanine & Cholo P.S. Give lots of hugs and kisses to Dad from us!

Grandma, you’re gone and we feel all alone Rethinking that night God called you home.

Although we are saddened with an emptiness in our chest, No worries at all, God only takes the best.

Dad is smiling from ear to ear, boasting out loud “Helen is here”!

May you two dance forever as love fills your hearts, And know you will never again be apart.

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Love and Kisses, Jeneé, Elijah, Brianna, Jenell & Jonathan

Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck

tributes

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o a Dear Loving Mother

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e consider ourselves truly blessed to have had such a wonderful Mom like you. You were always there for us in our times of need. Your encouraging words directed us in the right path. You always provided us with great love and care. We thank God for the wonderful years He gave you to us, and for the blessings we shared together. Those were the best years of our lives. Now that our Lord has called you home, we will always miss you, but you will always be in our hearts. Tonight there is a new star, and we will be looking out for it.

Love Chesley, Harold, Natalie & Ariyanna

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woman of extreme strength, courage and love, who was beautiful, soft and now peaceful and free as a dove. Someone on who our admiration was built around, for her womanhood, wife, friend and grandmother since she was brought into this ground.

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y Darling Grandma, You are taking a little part of us with you as you follow your angels who will guide you to your precious place, may you look down on us with pride on what you brought into this world with your guidance in which you are now truly our angel of grace.

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y Darling Grandma, as you enter your new heavenly home, may you rest in peace for which you truly deserve, For you will be truly missed and remembered for your love and honor in which we will preserve.

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e love you always and forever and may god be with you.

RIP Grandma Helen Akida Roebuck & Harold Roebuck, Jr.

January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

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tributes

Our Grandmother, Our Mother, Our Friend You were a mentor, confidant and also a friend; Someone whose love on which we could always depend.

A virtuous woman, you were that indeed, Who gave to anyone who was ever in need.

You always saw the good in everyone; You never judged, no matter what was done.

Muddah, you are taking a part of us with you, So continue to guide and see us through.

Though your smile is gone forever, and your hand we can’t touch, We still have so many memories of the one we loved so much.

You were the matriarch who kept us together; Hopefully, we can keep our family bond forever.

We were so privileged to have you for so long, But you had to go back to where you belong.

Our hearts are broken since God called you home; We all feel so saddened, empty and alone.

You will always be in our hearts and minds; We will never forget, you were one of a kind.

You were an exceptional woman from the beginning to the end, And we were glad you were our grandmother, mother, and friend Love, Buffy and Cissy

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Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck

tributes

Those we hold closest never leaves us, they live on in the kindness they’ve shared and the love they brought into our lives. We will miss you, Grandma.

Kelley, Andre & Sierra

Great-Grandmother A great-grandma is someone who’s dear in every way.

Her smile is like the sunshine that brightens each new day.

A great-grandma is someone who plays a special part In all the treasured memories we hold within our hearts.

Love,

Kianna, Kayla and Omar

Dearest Grandma, I can’t begin to express how I felt when I got the phone call. I knew it was coming but I still wanted to hold on to you a little longer.

Selfish, yes I know. You are in a better place with Dad by your side, nevertheless, I still miss you guys. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and Dad. I have so many memories that will last a lifetime. Take care of each other and remember to check-in on the family from time to time.

Rest in peace Joycelyn, I Love You. Lil James

January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

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tributes

“Generations pass like leaves fall from our family tree. Each season new life blossoms and grows benefiting from the strength and experience of those who went before.”

~ Heidi Swapp ~

To know that an elder may be nearing the end of this earthly life is one thing. To realize that that transition is beginning, is yet another. Still, to be in the midst of preparing for that elder to be laid for final rest, seeing her sons, grandsons and friends build that final resting place brings home the reality of the Circle of Life.

Aunt Helen, at the side of her beloved husband of 58 years and 12 days, Richard Roebuck, Sr., created a network of family strength that is evidenced in the generations she left behind. Through her strong faith and hard work, Aunt Helen left a legacy for us to proudly stand on. She was a no nonsense person, yet so loving, funny and a treasure trove of food for thought.

Some of us find ourselves on the threshold of being the “elders”. We laugh at the mere thought of it! The who? Wha? Well, with reality check in place and a trip down memory lane, we are assured that “Aunt Helen”, “Muddah”, “Mrs. Roebuck”, has left us well prepared to take on the role. As each leaf falls from this family tree of ours, as our blossoms grow and new branches burst forth, we can proudly, so proudly tell of that part of our strong root fondly remembered as. . .,

Mrs. Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck.

Mary Roebuck

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Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck

tributes Muddah,

You have departed this world leaving a great void in our lives. You have given so much of yourself to others and now it is your time to rest. Words cannot express the appreciation for your words of wisdom, your love and support. Rest in peace until we meet again.

Your son-in-law, Reuben Irwin My childhood years were filled with precious moments. Summers and holidays were spent with Aunt Helen. I can see her now, preparing her Kalaloo and Pea Soup. What pride she took in preparing her famous Crucian Sweet Bread and she did it all with love.

During my undergrad college years, Aunt Helen always made sure that I got my box of goodies. I could not wait to eat her tasty fry fish. Boy, did it taste good. I must say that my roommates also enjoyed the culinary expertise of Helen Roebuck.

Aunt Helen stood firm in what she believed in. I imagine she assumed I had lost my mind when I came home in the early 70’s for Christmas with an afro and talking about, The Revolution Shall Not Be Televised.

My relationship with Aunt Helen did not change over the years.

We became closer. She has made her transition and I have memories for a lifetime.

Maren Roebuck

January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

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tributes Grandma, You have always been one of the most essential parts of our world. It’s hard to imagine not being able to see, hear or touch you again. As time goes on I can only wish you were still here with us physically, but I will learn to accept that it will only be spiritually. Grandma you were and will always be invaluable, indispensable and unforgettable. I know you will always look over us. Rest in Peace My Loving Mama.

Love always, Neelia To Grandma Helen, Thanks for all the good times. We will miss you very much. We love you and rest in peace. Say hello to Dad William and GRandpa Richard.

Love, Your Grandson, Juwan, Akeem, Akim, Akeel Grandma, We have always admired your strength and love for all of us. We know that you will be watching over us and guiding us through the rough roads. All of the memories we will treasure forever.

We are going to miss you, but remember we will always love you. Rest in peace.

Love: Richard III, Robert, Brittany, Richard IV, Ryan, Tristan, Benjamin and Alonaea

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Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck

tributes

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emembering Aunt Helen and keeping the Roebuck Family Circle in my thoughts and prayers. Her matriarchal spirit transcended

generations and extended far beyond the boundaries of the circle to shine with a special fire that was full of love and joy that kept you warm and laughing even now as you think about the last time you were in her presence. So happy and blessed that my sisters, Rita and Mazel, my nieces, Andrea and Stephanie, and I were able to visit with her this year. Thank you, Harold. To Aunt Helen, I wish you Godspeed on your journey home to be with Uncle Richard, the love of your life.

May and the Adams Family Circle

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lease accept my sincere condolences on Mrs. Roebuck’s transition.

Guess she arrived just in time to witness the birth of Our Lord. I

just know she is helping with the arrangements and making sure everyone has his or her assignments.

Jerry Doward

January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

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tributes

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Reflections on Muddah

remember with great joy the summers I spent in Solitude during my youth with my Uncle Richard, Aunt Helen, better known as Muddah, and my numerous cousins. Muddah

was a beautiful and very special lady, although in East End, she was also our Crucian version of a drill sergeant. Going against her wishes was a waste of time.

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he was a very dedicated wife and very protective of her children. I was one of the very few who dared to tease her whenever I visited her busy home. Years ago, I told

her I was writing a book about her and that I had discovered during my research that she had paid local judges to be named “May Pole Queen” in the early 1940s. I also told her that I had discovered she was part Nigerian, to which she strongly replied: “Roland, stop your schtupidness. I am a Crucian and that’s dat, and if you write up that nonsense I gon sue you.”

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he and I enjoyed our little chats, and she tolerated me with good humor. Muddah was a great storyteller and I learned a lot about the Crucian days of long ago and

about the island’s cultural traditions. Muddah claimed she was a great cook, and I can attest to that. But still, I loved to tease her: One time I told her that her sweet bread was so hard I had to get a new set of teeth. She pretended to take offense, but rolled with laughter.

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Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck

tributes

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uring her later years, Muddah slowed down a little bit, became a little hard of hearing and sometimes complained about her eyesight or aches and pains.

Nevertheless, she was always concerned about the well-being of other family members.

Upon seeing me, she never failed to ask about “Uncle Earl,” my father, and the rest of my family.

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’ll miss her stories, her laughter, her cooking, her sense of pride in her children and grandchildren, her deep love for her late husband and, yes, even her drill sergeant

commands. She was a proud ROEBUCK and her passing leaves a gigantic void in the family. She was very fortunate to enjoy the constant presence of her dedicated children who were always there for her.

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n a way, she prepared us for this sad moment. The early training, compassion and sound counseling that she gave us allow us now to navigate these sad moments. So

Muddah, may you rest in peace. We know that you are finally in the company of your loving husband and our wonderful uncle, Richard Roebuck. We -- and Solitude -- bid you farewell.

Roland Roebuck Washington, DC

January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

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tributes

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hank you Mother for being such a loving Mom to all of us. I will miss my daily and nightly visits with you. I know you are with Dad now and one day we will all be together again.

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Your loving Son, Reuben

Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck

tributes

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n 1943, Helen and Richard purchased land in Estate Solitude in the east end of St. Croix, know today as “Roebuckville”. Helen knew Richard’s great passion for animals and in the 1950s, she encouraged his decision to move their family to Estate Solitude to live and to develop an animal farm.”

The Eulogy

January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

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memories

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Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck

memories

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f I am in harmony with my family, that’s success. ~ Ute proverb

January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

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hymns How Great Thou Art

Lead Me Guide Me

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds thy hands have made I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder Thy power throughout the universe displayed

Chorus Lead me, guide me, along the way, For if you lead me I will not stray.

Lord, let me walk each day with Thee, Lead me, oh Lord, lead me.

Refrain: Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

And when I think of God, His Son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing He bled and died to take away my sin

I am weak and I need thy strength and power To help me over my weakest hour.

Help me through the darkness thy face to see, Lead me, oh Lord, lead me.

Chorus

Help me tread in the paths of righteousness.

Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.

I am putting all my trust in Thee.

When Christ shall come, with shouts of acclamation Lead me, oh Lord lead me.

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart Chorus Then I shall bow, in humble adoration And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”

I am lost if you take your hand from me, I am blind without Thy light to see.

Lord, just always let me thy servant be.

Just A Closer Walk With Thee Lead me, oh Lord lead me.

Just a closer walk with thee Grant it, Jesus, is my plea O Master, Let Me Walk With You Daily walking close to thee Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

O Master, let me walk with you, In lowly paths of service true; I am weak but thou art strong Tell me your secret; help me bear Jesus keep me from all wrong The strain of toil, the fret of care.

I’ll be satisfied as long As I walk, let me walk close to thee.

Help me the slow of heart to move By some clear, winning word of love; Through this world of toil and snares Teach me the way-ward feet to stay, If I falter, Lord who cares?

And guide them in the home-ward way.

Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee Dear Lord, none but Thee.

Teach me Thy patience; share with me A closer, dearer, company, When my feeble life is over In work that keeps faith sweet and strong, Time for me will be no more In trust that triumphs over wrong.

Guide me gently, safely o’er To thy kingdom’s shore, to thy shore.

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Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck

hymns In hope that sends a shining ray Far down the future’s broadening way, In peace that only you can give, With you, O Master, let me live.

He Looked Beyond My Fault Amazing grace shall always be my song of praise.

For it was grace, that bought my liberty, I do not know, just why He came to love me so.

He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary, To view the cross, where Jesus died for me How marvelous, His grace that caught my falling soul He Looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

I’ll Fly Away

Chorus I’ll fly away, oh glory I’ll fly away When I die Hallelujah, bye and bye I’ll fly away When the shadows of this life have grown, I’ll fly away Like a bird from God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away Chorus Just a few more weary days and then I’ll fly away To a land where joy shall never end I’ll fly away Chorus

Some glad morning when this life is over I’ll fly away To a home on God’s celestial shore I’ll fly away

January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

Page ~ 26

acknowledgements

S

pecial thanks to Dr. Sullivan, Dr. Mannings, Dr. C. Hendricks, nurses and support staff of the Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center, The St. Croix Horse

Owners & Breeders Association, Janelle James, Christina L. Perez, Mary Roebuck,

Cleoda Moorhead, Sylvia Moreno and Stanley F. Sneed, Jr.

D

ue to the extent of our loss, it is possible that we might have forgotten to acknowledge you. Please forgive our oversight; we sincerely apologize. Our

family would like to say a heartfelt thank you for the many, many prayers, condolences and helping hands from extended family and friends. A kind word, some laughter, or a teardrop, gives warm comfort to the heart and settles the soul. We wish you God’s blessings.

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Helen Joycelyn Moorhead Roebuck

H E L E N

appy as can be ntering through the gates ooking for “Richie� nding years of aches ow you are happy, happy as can be

Your Children, Grands, Great-grands, and Great-great-grands

January 24, 1922 ~ December 15, 2013

Page ~ 28

Well Done!

Arrangements by: James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. 6AA La Grande Princesse - PO Box 224605 Christiansted, Virgin Islands 00822-4605 (340) 778-8663

Layout and Design by: Stanley Sneed