Rainford Hibbert

Obituary For Rainford Hibbert

Rainford Hibbert
1942 - 2023

Mr. Hibbert of Tallahassee transitioned Monday, December 25, 2023.

A visitation will be held Saturday, January 6, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. with the Celebration of Life to follow.

Interment will be held at Oak Hill Burial Park - 4620 US Highway 98 South, Lakeland, Florida 33810. All services will be held at Laura Street Church of Christ - 1310 E. Laura Street, Plant City, Florida 33563.

The Journey

Rainford “Roy” Hibbert was born to Collin Hibbert and Daisy Jackson in St. Catherine’s Parrish, Jamaica. He was one of sixteen siblings. After completing schooling, he began working as a general laborer. He had two beloved children in Jamaica before immigrating to the United States in the early 1970’s. Upon arriving in the United States, he traveled the east coast following various employment before he decided to make Lakeland his home. He always said he chose Lakeland because it looked like a beautiful place to raise a family. Roy would find his life’s work at Sunkrust Bakery, where he would work over twenty years until he retired in 2005. In 1976, he met his love, Sharon Thompkins. They would marry in holy matrimony in 1978 and later welcome two children. Although always a believer and spiritual man, Roy would later devote his life to Christ and was baptized at Sixth Street Church of Christ in Lakeland, Florida. Following his baptism Roy was faithful and dedicated to the church.

Roy was an avid and talented cook often being called on to cook especially Jamaican cuisine for many families and friends. Though not very formally educated he was a learned man who was always up to date and ready to debate global politics and world events. He was also a passionate dominoes player a game he enjoyed daily with friends. Roy didn’t have the easiest life but was grateful for what he had and mostly for his relationship with God.

He leaves behind a devoted wife, Sharon Yvonne Thompkins Hibbert, four beautiful children, Maxine Hines (Hibbert) Brooklyn, New York, Richard Hibbert, Jamaica, Sharmin Royette Hibbert, Tallahassee, Florida, and Derrick Antwyne Hibbert, Lakeland, Florida. Two grandchildren Shamari Hines and Tatyana Hines, one great granddaughter Mars Hines; sisters, Joyce White, Jamaica, Belsie Allen, West Palm Beach, Florida, Winnifred Byfield, Jamaica, Cynthia; sister-in-law, Joann Denson (Nathaniel), brothers-in-law, Ronald Thompkins (Andrea), and Henderson Mack (Connie) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.