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.
Sending my condolences to the family….May God Bless you all through this time of bereavement! Me and my family will keep y’all in prayers!
He lived and inspired life and I consider myself blessed to have known and learned from him. Reading this very thoughtful and accurate depiction of his life inspires me to be better and do more…just like he did. Great man for sure!
Prayers of love and comfort to the Person family. I had the privilege of working with Jackie at Rayburn Middle school and found him to be an excellent teacher and mentor to all the young students trying to find their voice. He will be sorely missed.
Becky Hall
Our sincere thoughts and prayers goes out to the Person Family.. Gone but shall never be forgotten. Much Love
Davud and Lisa Ayers
Our Condolences to the Person Family..The Lister Family. (Linda Kay Lister) He will be missed. A very Kind Man.
A great mentor, community advocate, singer and more. My CONDOLENCES to the Family knowing that earth has no sorrow that HEAVEN cannot heal. Continued PRAYERS for the Family!!! RIP Mr. Person
I pray the love of God enfolds you and your family during this difficult time.
Linda Jenkins
Mr. Person will truly be missed. He always went over and beyond when serving the children of Brazos county. He always had an insightful word to his friends and family…
I was a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee with Robert. What a neat guy. He was creative and really was very thoughtful. He really helped getting the pool installed at Sadie Thomas Park.
Richard Griffin
Our prayers are with the Person’s family. With his home going, this world has lost a bright light, and a true angel on earth. Now he is free to be the guardian angel, we have known him to be. Take your reward Robert, and find your rest.