Terral O'Neal Roberson Jr.

Terral O’Neal Roberson, Jr. slipped the bonds of his earthly chains on December 28, 2017 as the result of injuries sustained in a car accident two days before his 30th birthday. Heaven decided to reclaim the bright light and angel that it temporarily loaned the world. While we brokenheartedly mourn the loss of our son, brother, fiancé, nephew, cousin, and friend, we gratefully rejoice in and give praises to our Lord for the nearly 30 years that Terral’s beautiful smile and charismatic personality brightened our lives.

Terral, or “Tee,” as he was affectionately called, was born on December 30, 1987 in Metairie, LA. He was the adored and cherished son gifted to JaNeice and Rick Chambers and Terral Roberson, Sr. He was “Booney” to the first girl he ever loved, his sister, Erin Dufauchard. He was the fiancé of Michelle Farris, who he proposed to only five days prior to his passing. Terral grew up in New Orleans, LA, Dallas, TX, and Williamsburg, VA.

Terral was extraordinarily special right from the very beginning of his life. He was genius-level smart, speaking in long, complex sentences before the age of two. He thought and reasoned in a manner far beyond his years. He had a beautiful mind that rapidly processed information in a preternaturally grown-up way. Terral questioned everything – religion, authority, established ideals and norms, but he used logic and rationale to seek truth rather than to rebel or to win arguments. When it came to conflict, Terral was the proverbial “lover, not fighter.” He may have been too smart for his own good, as supernatural talents and gifts always come with a cost.

In elementary school, Tee was an accomplished “mathlete.” He traveled the state of Texas with his Uncle Mark’s locally renowned Pershing math competition team and won many trophies, medals, and other accolades. He played basketball for Garland High School and graduated with honors from Lafayette High School in Williamsburg, VA. He attended Hampton University and it was there that he met his forever friends – the squad that became known as “The Birdman Crew.” Terral loved them, and they loved him back. Terral worked for several years as a debt collection manager for Kohl’s department store. At the time of his death, he was employed by State Farm Insurance Company as an IT Specialist. He loved R&B, hip hop, and country music. He was a gamer and a gambler – League of Legends and poker were his specialties.

Family and friends will remember Terral as a kind, loving, and charming individual. Tee was as smooth as butter. He was equal parts politician, lawyer, toastmaster, and preacher. It was no coincidence that he was asked to serve as best man in so many weddings. Tee had “It,” whatever “It” is. He had that undefinable something that you couldn’t explain, but you recognized it when you saw it. He was the consummate planner and host. He knew instantly how to draw everyone in, put them at ease, and ensure they had a good time. He was the best bartender. He planned bachelor party weekends, organized the “Cousin’s Club” that included himself, Brandon, Lolita, Melicia, and Will. Tee had the biggest, brightest smile. He was always smiling. That smile, the one we’ll all remember, oftentimes masked an inner turmoil that he tried so hard to hide and tame. He wanted nothing more than to protect his family and friends. He wanted to make them happy – no matter the personal cost to him. So, he gave us that smile even on days when he struggled to get out of bed. That is real love and that is who Tee was. REAL LOVE! And love is the legacy that he leaves us – the greatest gift anyone can bequeath – more precious than job titles, civic accomplishments, or wealth – whether 29 or 99 – loving and being loved are the true measure of a man’s impact. Thank you, Tee, for this most precious gift. We love you, too!

Terral was predeceased by his maternal grandparents James Rainey and Barbara Joyce Rainey, and his paternal grandparents James T. and Mary Roberson. He leaves to cherish his loving memory: his parents Rick and JaNeice Chambers and Terral Roberson, Sr.; his sisters Erin Dufauchard and Nikki Roberson; his brothers Brandon Olateju and Isaac Roberson; his fiancé Michelle Farris; his paternal grandmother, Lolita Dufauchard, his aunts Helena Dubose, Lola Crawley, Mae Brown, Gladys Jones, Nelsena Joseph, Nyna Olateju, Joyce Crawley, and Sharon White; his uncles Cullen Dubose, Mark Olateju, Mannie Brown, and George White; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.