Roosevelt Topps

Roosevelt Topps was welcomed into this world on March 14, 1929 to proud parents  Jacob and Pearl L. Topps in Anguilla, Mississippi.   He was raised and attended school in Hollandale Mississippi before moving to South Bend for better opportunities in 1947.  He was joined in matrimony with Odesta Hamilton in 1950 and to their union was born Roosevelt Jr, Larry and Deborah (Debbie) Topps.  In 1965 Roosevelt married Helen Brown and adopted her daughter Barbara Topps-Easton. 

Shortly after arrival in South Bend, Roosevelt was hired by Studebaker Motors where he worked for a short time before joining Gantners Packing where he worked until they closed.  He then joined St.  Joseph Hospital where he finished his working career.   

Roosevelt was a lifelong member of Greater St. John Baptist Church where he served on the Usher Board and sang in the Choir.  Known for his big smile and warm personality, he was a friend to all and always willing to lend a helping hand or offer an encouraging word.  He and Helen loved traveling, working around the house and entertaining family at their home.

After retirement Roosevelt kept very busy with his new found interest in restoring bicycles and servicing bicycles for all the neighborhood kids.  His house became the neighborhood bicycle “service station” for fixing flats, air in tires and other repairs.  Always with a smile and good wise conversation but never a charge.

Roosevelt was called home on the morning of November 9, 2023 at Memorial Hospital, South Bend. He leaves to celebrate his home-going one daughter, Deborah (Debbie)Topps of South Bend, six Grandchildren, Dorian Topps (Bridgette), Melissa Levy (Edgar), Dionna Topps James (Josh), Jarvis Jacob Topps all of South Bend;  Carl Levy, Jr. (Qiana) of Dallas TX and Marie Levy, Queens, NY;  eleven Great-Grandchildren and a host of Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends

He was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Pearl Topps, his wife, Helen two sons Roosevelt Topps, Jr., Larry D. Topps, Daughter, Barbara Easton and three brothers; Leroy Topps of Elkhart, James Love and J.W. Topps of South Bend. 

Visitation for Roosevelt will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Tuesday November 21, 2023 at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 101 N Adams St. South Bend.  A funeral service will begin at 11:00 am with burial to follow at Highland Cemetery, South Bend.

Online condolences to the family may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.