Mr. Raphiel Watson Warren, son of the late Laciel and Marie Watson Warren, was born on October 3, 1942. He passed away peacefully on September 1, 2021 in his home at 6:19 p.m. His battle with serious medical issues over the years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Raphiel came out a hero and stayed strong until the end.
Raphiel was a graduate of Reid High School and worked as a custodian for over 30 years at Gaston County Schools. He was a faithful member and trustee at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church. While he also held many other positions at the church during his membership, one thing he loved the most was singing on the choir. He will always be remembered for singing “Cooling Water” and “Smile.”
He was preceded in death in addition to his mother and father, by his brother Marshall Warren. Raphiel is survived by his wife Rosalind Warren; his daughter Latoya Kelly and two sons: Daneallion Clinton and Durand Armstrong; brother Hazel Phillips; two grandchildren: Je’Van Kelly and Chaunae’ Kelly; brothers-in-law: Lee Marvin Durham, Anthony Pagan, Pierre McElhaney (Channon), Terry Gilmore, Roscoe Hull, and Jonathan Hull; sisters-in-law: Sabreda Smith (Juan), Carolyn Dunlap (Brown), Kristy Anderson (Durian), Legurtha Hull, Pam Stowe (Maurice), Alissa Smith, and Stephanie Armstrong (Darren); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Viewing at the funeral home on Saturday; September 11, 2021 from 1 until 8
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