Anita Eudora Rentrope

Anita Eudora Rentrope was born in St. Michaels, Barbados on August 23rd, 1946 to the late Martin Luther Barrow & Annabelle Greaves. She was the second youngest of eight siblings: *Clarissa, *Herbert, Joseph, Mervin, Ruth, Eustace, and *Henry “Leo”. (*Deceased)

From a very young age Anita always had a flare for fashion, and once she was old enough, she began working in a local boutique in St. Michael’s Barbados. Anita also completed her Practical Nursing Degree in 1964 at the Gibson School of Practical Nursing in Barbados.

In 1966 a young police officer named Vere Brathwaite, while on patrol in Anita’s neighbor spotted her and was enamored by her beauty. Vere pursued and eventually won her over. They married in 1967, and in 1968 they were expecting their first child. Anita and Vere were blessed with the birth of a beautiful baby girl who they named Jacqueline Elaine.

The union between Anita & Vere experienced tribulations and the two parted ways. At this time Anita was living in New York. Being the strong independent woman that she is, Anita quickly jumped back on her feet and started to make a way for her and her daughter in this New land. Due to the fact that Anita has such a beautiful spirit inside and out, it was not long that she caught the attention of a new suitor and later life partner; Michael Rentrope.

Michael and Anita moved to East Elmhurst, New York and built a beautiful life together grounded in love, devotion, and family. They raised a family of three beautiful daughters: Jacqueline, Jacinda, & Jennifer whom they loved and cherished. Anita was an extremely devoted wife and proud Mother who relished in the successes of her daughters and grandchildren.

In 2006 Michael and Anita decided to retired, and they relocate to Palm Bay, FL and build a new home. They were looking forward to enjoying the fruits of their labor, kicking back, and enjoying the sun. Tragedy rocked Anita’s world in 2008 when she lost her soul mate, Michael to cancer. With the support of her children, grandchildren, friends, and the church, Anita got through a very challenging period.

In 2011 while working on the church welcoming committee, Anita was charged to welcome a new visitor to the church. Once this gentleman experienced Anita’s amazing spirit and beautiful smile he was quickly smitten. Leroy Haynes and Anita started an astounding friendship. They enjoyed traveling together, talking, sharing each other’s life and family. Leroy & Anita were inseparable. And when Anita was diagnosed with cancer, Leroy was there, along with her daughters supporting her through her treatments and ailments. June 30th, 2015 Anita and Leroy decided to have a commitment ceremony, pledging their love and devotion to each other before God, family, and friends.

Anita had an outstanding way with people and bringing them together. She loved her family, she loved to entertain, she loved to travel, she loved to sew, she loved to laugh, and she loved life. One thing everyone knew about Anita is the lady was always dressed to death. There was never a moment that you could catch her off her game. And her closet put Macy’s racks to shame. Anita also had a great love of music. She always had Motown Oldies but goodies playing throughout her home.

Anita was an active Christian. When she relocated to New York, she joined First Baptist Church in East Elmhurst. As a member she served on the Usher board and Scholarship Committee. Upon moving to Florida, Anita joined the First Baptist Church of Malabar in Malabar, FL. Where she regularly attended Bible study and was part of the church Welcome Committee. In addition she was very involved with the “Angels Bridging Gaps” Autism Support Ministry of which the family founded during Michael’s battle with cancer. When Anita met Leroy, she also began attending his church, Church of Our Savior, in addition to weekly bible study at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.

Anita had a heart of gold and always willing to help out those in need of advice or just some motherly love. Anita Eudora Rentrope was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend who will truly be missed.

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Anita was predeceased in death by husband Michael A.Rentrope. The legacy of Anita brightened the lives of many and will live on through: her daughters, Jacqueline E. Yearby(Bryant), Jacinda M. Rentrope, and Jennifer R, Rentrope: two grandchildren, Omari and Imani Yearby: brothers & sister, Joseph Barrow(Phen), Mervin Barrow(Jane), Ruth Hunte, Eustace Barrow(Julie), brother-in-law Pastor Gene Rentrope(Gloria), sister-in-laws: Ruby Rentrope, Ruthal Rentrope, her life partner Leroy Haynes, mother-in-law Joyce Clark, stepsons Cerwin & Damon Haynes, 6 step grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members, and many great friends.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Timothy 4:6-7