Roberdia Renee South

Roberdia Renee’ South, beloved daughter of the late Reverend Jimmie James and First Lady Rosie L. James, was born on November 29, 1948, in Tensas Parish, Louisiana. She received her early education in Tensas Parish, where her strong values and commitment to faith began to take root. As a child, she accepted Jesus Christ and lived a life that reflected her unwavering belief in God. Roberdia faithfully served the Lord and was a dedicated member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Markham, Illinois, for over 45 years. Her presence was a constant source of inspiration and strength to her church family and community. Professionally, Roberdia was committed and dependable. She retired from Sears Roebuck after more than 20 years of dedicated service. Her contributions extended to her community, where she served as a Trustee of the Markham Public Library and worked in the office of Illinois State Representative Harold Murphy. She also touched the lives of many young people as a former girls’ basketball coach at Coolidge Junior High School in Phoenix, Illinois. She was joined in holy matrimony to Dillard South Sr., with whom she shared over 40 years of loving union until his passing on August 30, 2011. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised a devoted family. Roberdia was the loving mother of Deryl South (Candice), Marc South (Lolita), Jason South, and Shaun Wortham (Phillip). She was also a proud bonus mother to Dillard South Jr., who preceded her in death. Precious Memories She was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Jimmie and Rosie L. James; her husband, Dillard South Sr.; her bonus son, Dillard South Jr.; five brothers; three sisters; and several sisters-in-law and brothers in-law. Roberdia leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by her grandchildren: Shaquonique Smith, Siaira Carter South, Miya Spearman, Jazzmyn South, Tiedra South, Tamia Love, Donya Kemp, Darrien Kemp, Marc South Jr., Justin Jones, Chanson South, Devonte Dudley, JW Barnes, Woody Baron, Trey Telez, and Jordan Telez. She is also remembered and cherished by her great-grandchildren: Kierstynn, Sebastian, Erynn, Jamari, Miriya, Jeremiah, Shaun, Corey, Caleb, Anhiyah, Stoney, Dontae, and Sage. Among her surviving siblings are Roseanne Cummings, Julia Sandifer, Estelle Alexander, and Jesse James (Pleasant). She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, many of whom she loved and cared for as her own children, along with irreplaceable cousins and life-long friends. Roberdia was a woman of deep conviction, gentle strength, and boundless love. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her legacy will remain a guiding light to her family and community

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