OCTAVIO ROLFE

Sunrise: Octavio Rolfe was born on Tuesday April 16, 1929, to Fred Rolfe Sr. and Ozella Rolfe in Ashdown, Arkansas. Octavio was the 7th of thirteen children.

Octavio was always known as the cool uncle that always dressed to a "T" and couldn't be missed by his cool strut. He was known as an accomplished singer and recording artist. He and the gospel quartet that he organized, the "Christian Jubilees" traveled across the United States blessing audiences with their harmony and ministering to their souls. The group often sang live on Martha Jean the Queen radio show on Sunday mornings in downtown Detroit. The group was featured on the Bobby Jones Gospel show and appeared numerous times on the Jim Baker show.

Octavio served in the army in Korea and retired from General Motors in Pontiac Michigan in 1978 after 25 years of service. He was an entrepreneur, which is a trait of the Rolfe clan. He owned businesses including landscaping and carpet cleaning services. Octavio was ordained a Deacon in September 1978. He and his family served faithfully at the Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan and would often bless the congregation while singing with the choir.

Octavio met his beautiful wife, Annette on the steps of Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church and were married by Rev. PM Martin in 1961. They were blessed with 60 loving years of marriage.

In 1978 after retirement, Octavio left Detroit Michigan and moved his family to Wichita, Kansas where he was reunited with his siblings. He started and successfully owned Mr. Clean janitorial service and a snow plowing business. Octavio and his family attended the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church where he and his family served faithfully. Rev. Roosevelt Deshazer recognized Octavio as Deacon emeritus.

In 2016 Octavio and Annette relocated and joined their children in Dallas Texas, where they forged an intimate fellowship with the Victory Temple Church of God in Christ and served faithfully under the pastorship of Elder Lafayette Whitley Sr. Senior Deacon Octavio Rolfe affectionately known by the Pastor as "Father Rolfe", blessed the congregation often with his singing and his signature song is "There is a Bright Side Some Where".

Octavio was a devoted son to his parents, a loving husband and father that taught his children the importance of family and to love one another. He handed down to his family the love of God and the importance of a prayer life.

Octavio taught his family by example the importance, worth and honor in hard work. He always had a mind to work and could always find the strength to do so. Even in his twilight years you could find him working in the yard for hours on end.

As he dealt with health challenges, Octavio never lost his infectious smile, quick wit nor grace and cool swag. Most of all he never failed to give thanks to God before he sat down to eat a meal or before he retired for the night.

Octavio was preceded in death by his Papa and Mama and is the last of his siblings to be laid to rest. His grandson Darius also preceded him in death.

Octavio enjoyed 5 active generations: he leaves to cherish his loving and faithful wife, Lula Annette; twelve children, Amel (Sandra) Laymon (Valerie) Stacey (Morion) Michelle (Stephen) Tawanna (Venice) Chris (Tekoah), Lenard (Sharon), Vickey, Bertha, Alma, Juanita, Stella aka Dolly; twenty-three grandchildren: Mera, Bianca, Demario, Tanunika, Quiana, Jacobi, Avie, Asriel, Ashlyn, Jeremiah, Venise, Hailey, Alexis, Lamontez, Shanice, Eileen, Nicole, Tabitha, Sheila, Shirley, Shannon, Derrick; 26 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, who will all miss his big heart, cool swag and loving presence.