Leroy Levi Coben Haye

On a beautiful early fall day, in beautiful South Florida, two hearts were destined to become one. It was Saturday, October 5, 1991, at Bethesda Memorial Hospital in Boynton Beach, where Ms. Elizabeth Jones gave birth to her one and only child, a son whom she named Leroy Levi-Coben Haye. It was love at first sight. Leroy and his mom were inseparable, they were connected by an unconditional and unbreakable love. A love that would have to transcend time, space, and eternity. On January 24, 1997, at the tender age of 5, the greatest love he had known, the brightest light of his life was dimmed, and his heart would now beat alone. Leroy lost his mom that day, leaving a void in his heart and an emptiness in his life. He would miss her deeply. It was at this point in his life that Leroy would encounter someone who would be pivotal in his early development and upbringing. Someone whom he would admire, respect, and emulate.

After the passing of his mother, Leroy found love and care in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Dooley and kinship with his newfound Daughter of Zion SDA Church family. Under the guidance and patience of Bro. Dooley, Leroy grew strong, wise, and considerate of others. When you saw Bro. Dooley, you saw Leroy. They were in lockstep, in harmony, and what can be described as conjoined. Throughout his childhood and adolescence, Leroy was a sensitive soul, who was naturally inquisitive, eager to master new things and learn new ideas. He sought knowledge and understanding in everything and developed a keen intellect. An intellect that would serve him well.

Although Leroy could be a prankster at times, throughout his primary and secondary education, Leroy was always an astute scholar in the classroom who desired to perform well. While attending Daughter of Zion Jr. Academy, Leroy was a perennial honor roll student consistently performing at the top of the class. In 2006, Leroy reached the pinnacle of his young academic life by becoming Valedictorian of DOZJA’s Class of 2006. An accomplishment that we were all proud of and encouraged him to continue the path of lifelong learning. During this time, Leroy was an active participant in the church. He served as a Junior Deacon, a member of the Shining Stars children choir, a member of the DOZ drama team, as well as participating in the Pathfinders, drum corps, and both JV and varsity basketball teams.

In 2007, Leroy entered Atlantic Community High School as a freshman, beginning his journey into adulthood. Leroy rose to the occasion by taking a challenging curriculum to include advanced placement and honors courses. He took courses that would challenge him and bring personal growth and development. As before, Leroy was a constant honor roll student throughout his time at Atlantic High School, consistently performing at a high level. Leroy was also developing his athletic acumen and prowess. He participated in organized sports and in ROTC until graduating in 2010. After graduating from Atlantic High School, Leroy ventured north to the Constitution State, Connecticut.

After high school in Delray Beach, Leroy attended the University of Hartford and subsequently Eastern Connecticut State University. It was there where Leroy met Joe Priestley, a friend who would become a brother. The two would spend countless times together over the years building a brotherly bond. While an undergraduate, Leroy continued to academically excel. Likewise, he remained passionate about basketball and ROTC, joining the on-campus platoon, serving throughout his time in school. As a member of the ROTC, Leroy was able to travel to Croatia

with US Army forces to participate in a training exercise. After completing his junior year at the University of Hartford, Leroy transferred to Eastern Connecticut State University and joined the Eastern Connecticut State University Warriors basketball team for the 2013-2014 school year.

It was during his college days that Leroy built relationships with friends that would be as strong as family. Although he didn’t have a chance to totally reconnect with his biological family, Leroy loved the family environment. He spent a considerable amount of time connecting with friends whom he considered not only as family, but as brothers. His friends often said that Leroy was an old soul. When he spoke, he would draw you in. He had a way of captivating everyone who was around him. When he spoke, you felt as if he was speaking directly to you, you were an audience of one. His college friends said that he was as positive and happy as any person you could ever meet. Leroy was a hard worker who never gave up, a person who believed that nothing was insurmountable.

After leaving college, Leroy worked for several years as an auto salesperson for Tarbox Toyota in North Kingstown, RI. He also worked as a roofer with a small family firm in Ft. Lauderdale before returning north for good and settling in the New England area. It was doing this time that his happiest of days shined upon him in the birth of his children. On July 9, 2021, Leroy met his first child, a son, Rahmello Amir Roberts, and his life instantly changed. His joy was overflowing as their two hearts became one. A million possibilities flashed through his mind as he pondered little Rahmello’s future. Shortly thereafter, Leroy was once again graced with a son, Coben McCrae Stewart, born July 13, 2022. After captivating others, Leroy was now captivated by and adored his sons. He cherished every wakened moment with them. Whether feeding, changing, playing with, or just gazing upon them, he relished every second. Nonetheless, in God’s divine plan, their time together would be blessed, but brief.

On Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 11:52 pm, our beloved Leroy laid down the cares of this life, slipped out of life’s back door and entered eternity. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Ms. Elizabeth Jones, his father Eric Haye, and his foster father Frank Dooley. Leroy leaves two sons to cherish fond memories and build legacy, Rahmello Amir Roberts (Mary Roberts) of Westerly, RI and Coben McCrae Stewart (Caitlyn Stewart) of Poughkeepsie, NY. A stepbrother Derrick Tucker (Celiet) of Tallahassee, FL, an uncle Jarrod Jones (Genika) of West Palm Beach, FL, a very special cousin Seritha Dilworth-Miller (Catory) of West Palm Beach, FL, and a favorite cousin Derrick Pettis of Tallahassee, FL. Also left to cherish his memory are his very close friends Joe Priestley of Bronx, NY, and Keith Martin II, Quentin Robinson, Char’Neil Williams, Jasmin Williams, Courtney Peterkin, all of South FL, and members of DOZ Pathfinders, and the DOZ Basketball team. Leroy also leaves behind a host of classmates and many dear friends across several states.

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