Robert Van Buren

Brother Robert Van Buren, 62, affectionately known as “Foots” peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, August 26, 2020.  Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, September 5 at 2:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Memorial Chapel, 301 N. Howard Avenue with Reverend Prentiss A. Davis, of Word of GOD Ministry, Inc., officiating.  Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery.  Please follow the CDC guidelines.  Masks are required. 

Brother Robert Van Buren was a native of Thibodaux, Louisiana, born to Mr. Walter and Lillian Van Buren, Sr.   He grew up in Thibodaux, LA but later relocated to Tampa, FL where he spent the remainder of his life’s journey.  Robert accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior in 2007 under the leadership of Reverend Bryant A. Fayson of St. Paul AME Church in Tampa, FL.  

Robert worked for 45 years in the Construction and Rehabilitation field.  He loved everyone he met and would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need. 

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Walter and Lillian Van Buren, Sr.; grandparents, Oliver and Alberta Williams, Sr., and Mary Tilley; sister, Dorothy Ann Williams; brothers, Walter Van Buren, Jr., Murphy Van Buren, and Charles Ray Van Buren, Sr.; father and mother-in-law, Nathan and Verna Jean Evans, Sr.; and great granddaughter, Armani Green. 

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of 27 years, Jennifer Evans; sons, Corey Jerome Cooper (Teisha), Kewon Robert Van Buren (LaTraille), (Tampa FL), Cameo Daverin Van Buren, Taraz Ramone Van  Buren (Charity) (Baton Rouge, LA), and Lamar Rasheed Robinson, (Tampa FL); stepchildren, Latroya Byrd, Cornelius Byrd, Cornalius Byrd, Ronald Byrd, and Mario Smith (Tampa, FL); brother, Earl Lawrence Van Buren; sisters, Verna Mae Van Buren, Cynthia Sewire (Alvin), Linda Lovely (Michael), (Thibodaux, LA), Sarah and Louise Moses (Marlon), (Harvey, LA); aunts, Gracie Brown and Betty Jones, (Thibodaux, LA); brothers-in-law, David Evans, Nathan Evans, and Ricky Evans; sister-in-law, Otha Evans (Tampa, FL); 13 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and God child, Trinity Wilford. He also leaves a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. 

The remains will repose from 3-7 p.m., Friday, September 4, at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue. We are asking family and friends to follow the CDC guidelines. Masks are required. 

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