Tributes

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" - Matthew 5:8 Robert Otems, Jr. was born on May 14, 1960, on Galveston Island, Texas to loving parents Mildred and Robert Otems whose union produced seven wonderful children. He was baptized at Live Oak Baptist Church, where his beloved maternal grandmother Marguerite McCoy (Mommie), was a devoted member. They shared the same birthday. Each Sunday, the family gathered prior to church for prayer and worship led by Robert’s grandfather, the late Reverend Nelson McCoy. This family ritual left an indelible mark on his spiritual journey. Robert’s steadfast mother, Evangelist Mildred Braziel, was also influential in shaping the Christian values of the entire family. He was the eldest of five boys, and the fifth of eleven total children, resulting from his mother’s previous marriage. Affectionately called "Bubba" by family and close friends, he graduated from Ball High School in 1979, and was a member of the Varsity football team. He was active in most sports, including baseball, tennis, and swimming. During the summer months, he loved cruising in the Camaro that he purchased while working as a lifeguard alongside his siblings (who were also skilled swimmers) at Central Middle School. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and would often cut hair, mow lawns, and run errands for Elders in the neighborhood. Eventually he worked as an animal control officer for the City of Galveston for several years. Robert spent most of his years employed as a corrections officer, at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston - Texas Department of Criminal Justice Hospital (UTMB-TDCJ). The UTMB-TDCJ Hospital remains the first and only hospital specializing in the care of incarcerated people on the campus of a major medical center and teaching institution. Because he established a career path after high school at TDJC, he was able to retire by his early forties. He then relocated to Austin with his life partner Delisha Penn. He obtained his Barber’s license and established a thriving business. In 2006, he joined Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church in Austin, Texas under the leadership of Pastor Gaylon Clark, and was a volunteer with the media team. A talented chef, he loved preparing delicious meals for all to enjoy. Especially during football and/or basketball season. His love for sports was fueled by a competitive energy reinforced by his siblings, who often enjoyed spirited rivalry for their favorite teams. Known for greeting everyone with a warm smile, he regularly checked on Elder family members during his retirement years. This was a value passed on by his mother to him at an early age. Even during the COVID pandemic, God blessed Robert to attend the 90th birthday celebration of his mother, Mildred Braziel in July, 2021. He also enjoyed attending concerts and soaking up the Island sun. One of his favorite activities was crabbing and fishing with his grandfather Rev. McCoy, and his great-grandfather Papa Mike. Visiting Vegas was also one of his favorite recreational destinations. Known for his dapper and meticulous style, he took great pride in his personal presentation. As a natural servant leader, he was always on duty willing to assist others. Robert is preceded in death by his father Robert Otems, Sr.; grandparents, Nelson McCoy, Sr. and Marguerite McCoy; Simon Peter Otems and Hattie Otems. Great grandparents Nelson McCoy and Lucindi McCoy; and Great- great grandparent Sirgion McCoy. Linda Willis (sister), Brock Green (nephew), Rose Marie Monroe (aunt), Nelson McCoy (uncle), and Trevor Foreman (nephew). He is survived by his life partner Delisha Penn; his daughter LaToya Abraham (Joseph), and daughter Ashley Coleman, daughter Tra’Shaunda Otems (NaQuinton Vaughn), son Robert Otems, Jr., son Isaiah Edwards, daughter Jada Edwards, son Xavier Otems, Troy and Taylor Lemon (step-children);. Surviving grandchildren include Roxanne Abraham, Joseph Abraham Jr., Michael Abraham, Romance King Otems, Royce Jeremiah Otems, and Travis Vaughn. His loving mother, Mildred Braziel; siblings: Margaret Flint (Donald), Sharon Elaine Williams, Rosalind “Akua'' Holt, La Shaun Otems (JD), Cynthia Greely (Ron); Gerald Otems (La Tonya), Quentin Otems, Troy Otems, Kevin Otems; great aunt: Mammie Etta McDonald; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends. A beautiful human being, his strength and kindness impacted all who knew him. God called Robert home on Monday, October 31, 2022. He was beloved and will be forever missed by family and friends. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” ·- Psalm 91

Tributes

Robert Otems, Jr.

May 14, 1960 - October 31, 2022