Wyly Randolph Remson

Wyly Randolph Remson was born on February 1, 1940, in Oakland, California, and passed away peacefully at his home on May 7, 2025, at the age of 85. His life was a rich tapestry of devotion, humor, and heritage. It was a life well lived and deeply loved.

He was the third child born to Jessie Remson and Ruth Wyly Roland. In his early years, after the divorce of his parents, his mother and siblings relocated from the Bay Area to Compton, California, where Wyly spent his formative years. He attended Carver Elementary, Willowbrook Junior High, and Centennial High School. He later went on to L.A. Trade Technical College to become a carpenter.

A gifted singer with a love for harmony both musical and personal, Wyly met his future wife, Celestine Alford Remson, while performing with the West Coast Wings Over Jordan Choir. This Los Angeles-based ensemble of spirited young adults was known for delivering Negro spirituals with soulful intensity and deep cultural pride. Their shared passion for music and faith laid the foundation for a lifelong bond. On November 5, 1961, Wyly married Celestine, his partner in life and love for 60 years.

From their union came two children, Marc Randolph Remson and Lisa Rene’ Remson, whom Wyly cherished deeply and nurtured with both strength and tenderness.

To know Wyly was to experience laughter. He was the heartbeat of every room he entered. His quick wit and infectious humor made him the family’s resident jokester. His wit and banter was consistent throughout his life and career. Whether he was cracking a joke or riding his beloved motorcycle, Wyly lived life with a sense of freedom and fun that touched everyone around him.

Professionally, Wyly built a meaningful career and retired twice. First from a longstanding role in the construction industry, as a carpenter, roofer, and cabinet maker. He later became one of few licensed to carry security guards at Casino Morongo. He also performed funeral motor escorts in the local community.

Wyly had an unshakable love for family. He took great pride in organizing and hosting the Brooks family reunions, ensuring that bonds across generations remained strong. He was also a faithful and enthusiastic supporter of the Alford family reunions, attending regularly and encouraging others to stay connected to their roots.

Wyly adored his family deeply. In his later years, he found immense joy in the presence of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their visits brought light to his days, and their laughter echoed the legacy of love he so generously gave.

He was preceded in paradise by his parents, Jesse Remson, Ruth Roland, his loving wife Celestine, and his beloved son Marc Randolph Remson.

Wyly’s memory will be lovingly cherished by his brother Bernard Remson, his sister Eunice Gardner, his daughter Lisa Rene’ Remson, his grandchildren G. Patrick Spivey IV, (Myekia Gross), Ayanna C. Spivey, Christopher D. Remson, and Kelia A. Remson, and his great-grandchildren Kaniyah R. E. Spivey, Jayzon P. Spivey, and Jaylon G. Spivey. He also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family, and lifelong friends whose lives were forever enriched by his presence.