Mr. Robert Poppy Vercher

Robert Lamont (Poppy) Vercher was born on January 3, 1976 in Blue Island, Illinois to his very loving parents Riley Jr. and Jacquelyn Vercher. He was the third of five children. Growing up, Robert embraced the teachings of Christ and actively worshipped at the Apostolic Church of God where he was baptized in 1983. Later in life, he became a member of the New Mount Olive M.B. Church. After a while he renewed his membership with Victory Apostolic Church, under the leadership of Elder Andrew D. Singleton, Jr. He loved to be where the fire power of the Almighty was. Poppy grew up in Morgan Park, Phoenix, and University Park, Illinois. He attended Crete-Monee High School in University Park. He was the father of five children Tatiana, Antonio, Lamont, Lamond and Nadia. He was a very outgoing, fun loving, and a free-spirited individual who possessed unique ways of bringing people together. He was very positive in all that he did. He was ready to listen, willing to share his experiences and offer words of encouragement to support others. Poppy loved to play the saxophone and dance. Being blessed with the gift of expression, he would, on many occasions, express his innermost heartfelt feelings and thoughts through lyrics in the form of rap. He always dreamed of sharing his gift with the world. His desire to share it was cut short when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on May 15, 2003. Even with this affliction, he remained positive and held on to his faith. He knew that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. His dream was to get up one day and share with all of us the gift that he possessed. He would always light up a room with his beautiful smile. He fought a very long and difficult battle but never gave up hope. At 2:20 pm on Saturday April 7, 2012, the Almighty who gives and takes back in his own good time, came to Poppy and said, "You have suffered enough and it is time for me to take away your burdens and give you eternal rest. Today I relocate you to the place I have prepared for you." Poppy is survived by his loving parents Riley Jr. and Jacquelyn, three brothers Riley III (Marsha), Reuben (Toya), Ranard (Iris); daughters: Tatiana Perkins and Nadia Ballard; sons: Antonio Perkins, Lamont and LamondVercher; Grandma Erma Vercher; Loving gracious special friend Tomeka Parks; God sisters: Amanda Davis of Valencia, CA, MoneekFizer of Arcadia, LA, Rhashanda Keys, Cleora Madison of Orlando, FL; uncles: Vernon Vercher, TyreseVercher; aunts: Karen Whitney, Darlene (Colonel Johnson), Eunice James; Godmothers, Glendi Davis of Valencia, CA, and Sharron (William) Freeman; Nephews: Darrel, Lil Riley, Marsean, Braylon, Jamari, Jaelin; Great nephew Darrel Jr.; and Nieces: Jasmine, Lil Marsha, Ma'kaiya, Brook and a host of cousins, family and friends. Preceding him in death were his sister Marcia Francine Vercher, grandparents Riley Vercher, Sr., and Martha and John Davis, Sr.; aunt Yvonne Miller of College Park Georgia and uncles Larry Warren, Sr., and John Davis, Jr., who was also his godfather.