Obituaries

Robert Lee Person, Sr

 Robert Lee Person, Sr. was born on April 16, 1948 in Mumford, Texas and raised by Tommie Lee and Mary Ann Person. R. L. Cavitt was his biological father. Jackie attended school in the Bryan ISD and enjoyed singing in Ms. Wyatt’s choir, which inspired him to become a soloist. He enjoyed serving on the debate team, and participating in various sports. He graduated from Kemp High School in 1966 and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas in May 1971. He married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Newsome on January 9, 1971. To this union Robert Lee Jr., and twins, Brandon Anthony and Byron Antoine were born.
He was an educator for 32 years and taught in Syracuse, New York, Bryan ISD, and later became a Principal at Calvert ISD. He received a Masters Degree from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas and Certification in Educational Administration in 1984.
He has been a community activist by serving in diverse capacities. He was an educational chair for the Brazos Valley Centurion Club, coached football, track and basketball at the Brazos County Boys and Girls Club. He was a member of the ELKS Lodge where he chaired the Drug Outreach Program. He was also a member of the N.A.A.C.P., and tutored A&M Athletes as a Learning Assistant in the Bright Complex.
Jackie worked at the Brazos County Juvenile Services where he faithfully served as a Volunteer/Mentor Coordinator in attempt to redirect the lives of our youth by providing programs and speakers
to motivate them to change a pattern leading to destruction. He changed many lives by motivating youth of all ages to improve and better themselves. He was innovative and creative in the techniques used to instill pride and a sense of resurgence in our youth. He retired March 29, 2018.
Robert L. Person, Sr. was a Renaissance man searching for ways to impact those with whom he came in contact by showing the necessity of a good earnest work ethic in today’s youth as they prepare for tomorrow’s challenges. He believed that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders who needs our guidance, experience and expertise in order to become productive contributors as they navigate future societies for the coming generations.
Jackie was a faithful member at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church where he faithfully served as a Deacon, sang in the Mass Choir, the Male Chorus, was a member of the Benevolent Committee and Chairman of the R.W. Wheaton Scholarship Fund. Jackie was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and a friend to all and never met a stranger. He will always be remembered for his cheerful heart and giving spirit. He was a leader who definitely marched to his own time. He was a true, loyal friend who meant so much to so many people. His warm smile and infectious personality made everyone feel welcomed and special. Jackie was truly an inspiration. The strength and courage he showed throughout his battle with his illness was nothing short of heroic. He hardly, if ever, complained, but continued to fulfill his duty mentoring and encouraging
people throughout his life. He was truly a man with a “HEART OF LOVE!”
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Barbara Ann; three sons, Robert Jr. (Tabitha) of Grand Prairie, Texas, Brandon (Kristina) of Rockwall, Texas, Byron (Melanie) of College Station, Texas; two brothers, Shelton Cavitt of Houston, Texas, and Tommie Person (Tina) of Bryan, Texas; two sisters, Alpearl Person-Okopie of Houston, Texas, Margaret Hall (Bernard) of Brookside Village, Texas; six grandchildren, Ka’Briana, Bri’Kayla, Ashlynn, Brooklynn, Kaidynn and Ramil; nine brothers and sisters-in-law, Roy Newsome (Marilyn) of North Richland Hills, Texas, Elsie Mitchell, Lindsay Newsome and Linda Newsome all of Ft. Worth, Texas, Brenda Phoenix (Randy) of San Antonio, Texas, James Newsome (Joyce) of Duncanville, Texas along with a host of nieces, nephews, other rela-
tives, friends, and Galilee Missionary Baptist Church family.