Roxanne Victoria Barnes

Roxanne was born in New York, New York, to the late Ruby Estella Barnes and Thomas M. Barnes. She was educated in the New York City School District in the early 1960s, where she was one of the only girls of color in her elementary school.

Throughout her early life, Roxanne was known for her love of singing, modeling, and dancing. She was a member of the Minisink/C.M.C.C Warriors Drum and Bugle Corps & Pen & Scroll Military Sorority (New York, NY). She proudly marched and performed in competitions, parades, and shows on the flag/rifle line.

She also sang in an all-girls trio that performed at small nightclubs, talent shows, and street fairs throughout Harlem. Though she was a quiet person, she expressed her love through music, warm smiles, and a gentle presence that touched everyone around her.

After graduating from high school in New York, Roxanne began her career at the New York Telephone Company, now known as Verizon. She worked in telephone communications and operations in New York City. She enjoyed traveling, including cruises and trips with friends and her mother.

Shortly after the birth of her son Damon, Roxanne relocated to Yonkers, New York, bringing her daughter Danielle and her mother with her. She and her mother lived in the same apartment building for decades, where Roxanne built a life centered on love, family, and resilience. She remained dedicated to her career at the New York Telephone Company while sharing her passion for travel with her

children, creating lasting memories through trips across various states, with Florida being one of her favorite destinations.

While living in Yonkers, Roxanne continued her passion for dance at the Ruth Williams Dance Studio in Harlem, New York. She attended alongside her children, served as an assistant dance teacher, and found great joy both in performing and in watching her children take the stage.

During the last five years of her time at New York Telephone Company, Roxanne purchased her first home, in Spring Valley, New York, where she lived with her mother and children. Around 2007, she joined First Church, where she faithfully attended and served as a dedicated member, and later served on the Mother’s Board.

Roxanne loved God and always said that her faith is what kept her going daily. She never questioned or doubted God’s plan for her life.

Roxanne had a deep appreciation for food and enjoyed a wide variety of cuisines. She could throw down! She never passed up the opportunity to try something new and she especially cherished dining out with family and friends. She also found joy in cooking,

particularly alongside her mother, and took pride in preparing meals for loved ones.

She was a great cook.

Roxanne was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ruby Estella Barnes and Thomas M. Barnes, her brother, Tyrone Cooper, Aunt Pearl Shorey and her Aunt/Godmother, Charlotte Owens Hunt.

Roxanne is survived by her daughter, Danielle Mona’e Morales-Barnes; her son, Damon Jarrell Brown (Viilorii); her grandchildren, Krishon Brown, Jamaine Atkins, Egypt Parker-Brown, Jasmine Atkins, Damonii Brown, Ruby Cooper, and Damarii Brown; great granddaughter Lilly Pagan-Brown; her bonus sons, Leon Latif Brown

and Terone Bullock (Yanique); her bonus grandchildren, Cyan Bullock, Terone “TJ” Bullock, Johnny Rosa, James Rosa: her God-Daughter, Leslie Whitehurst; her God-Brothers, Arthur Whitehurst, Jr., Walter Whitehurst, and Robert Johnson; and a host of

nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Roxanne was one of the most gentle, giving, humble and loving women to everyone she came in contact with. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.