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Oliver Jude Vital Jr.

Oliver Jude Vital Jr. obituary, HOUSTON, TX

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Rhodes Funeral Home - Washington Avenue

3933 Washington Ave

New Orleans, Louisiana

Oliver Vital Obituary

Today we gather to celebrate the magnificent life of Oliver Jude Vital, Junior, who was simply known as OJ. He was called home to God on September 1, 2018 at 48 years of age. OJ was the 2nd child born to the late Oliver J. Vital, Sr and Nida Edna Harris Vital on August 16, 1970 in the 9th Ward of New Orleans East, in a neighborhood affectionally known as "the Gap." Baby Brother to sister Pia Marie born in 1968 (who died at childbirth), and eldest to youngest brother Carlos James Vital. OJ was truly the outspoken and direct voice of the Vital Siblings. He was baptized and attended St. Paul the Apostle Church and school. OJ rode his bike throughout the neighborhood and played football and basketball with neighborhood friends in "The Gap". He possessed a competitive spirit that carried him through his football playing days at St. Augustine High School. He is a 1988 graduate of St. Augustine High School, and was a very proud Purple Knight Alumnus looking forward to his 30th year reunion. OJ was a friend to many. He listened. He laughed. He told you things that you needed to hear and at times, the things that you didn't want to hear. But he said all with candor and at most times, with that great smile. He started his college career at Xavier University and completed his studies in 1995 at Southern University in New Orleans with a Bachelors of Arts in Finance. Shortly thereafter, OJ began his work career at United Parcel Service (UPS) in 1995. OJ was ecstatic when God blessed him and his ex-wife Twann Butler, with their son, Oliver J Vital, III, also known as Trey. He was so proud of his son and the young man that he grew into. In 2003, OJ crossed the burning sands and was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, Rho Phi Chapter. He was an active member of the fraternity participating in community service projects, special events, and was thoroughly immersed in the true Omega Spirit and principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. After losing his home in New Orleans to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he moved to Houston. He transferred to UPS in Houston, where he worked for over 23 years and made a new extended family. Ironically, he lost part of his home again to Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Nevertheless, he appreciated the gift of life and started the process of rebuilding, persevering and seeing it through. OJ enjoyed life hanging with his brother Carlos, caring for his mother Nida, and being the best brother-in-law to his sister Karla, and favorite uncle to his nieces Layla, Lauryn, and Lianna. Although born and raised in New Orleans and a Saints fan, OJ absolutely loved the Dallas Cowboys. He also loved to play basketball with his friends at Clear Lake Recreational Center, and loved to hang and watch sports with his friends at The Hop and Union Tavern in Houston. OJ loved and honored God. OJ lived life to the fullest and loved hard. OJ was an all-around good-dude. OJ is lovingly remembered by his son, Oliver J. Vital, III, or Trey; his mother, Nida Edna Harris Vital; brother and partner, Dr. Carlos J. Vital; sister-in-law, Dr. Karla Vital; beautiful nieces Layla, Lauryn, and Lianna, and a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that loved him dearly. He will be greatly missed. Relatives and friends of the family, pastors, officers and members of Tulane Memorial Baptist Church are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Tulane Memorial Baptist Church, 3601 Paris Avenue on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Interment will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Holy Family Cemetery in New Iberia, LA. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Sep. 11 to Sep. 14, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
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Alicia McKendall

September 14, 2018

OJ, when I first met you, I can recall you being friendly, and making me feel at home in being around the Vital clan. I think what people will missed about is you, are many things, but your sense of humor, your directness, and that wide, beautiful, mischievous smile, I will be the things most people that knew you, will miss the most. I know that Trey will continue to help along with brother Carlos ,will continue to carry on the Vital legacy. We love ya, Oj, Rest In Peace.

Yolanda Curtis-Wilson

September 14, 2018

Words cannot begin to express my sorrow. OJ was like a big brother to me during our college years. He was a genuine person whose light shined brightly! To the family I say, look to the hills from whence cometh your help/strength; your help/strength cometh from the Lord. May your fond memories keep OJ's light shinig brightly in your hearts.

Sondra Reine

September 12, 2018

I am so sorry to learn of OJ's passing. You have my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you during your bereavement. Your fond memories of the wonderful son, brother, father, and friend that he was will sustain and comfort you.

Tara Stokes

September 12, 2018

I haven't seen OJ since our Xavier days but I kept in touch through Facebook. He was always full of life and brought energy to the room. You will be greatly missed.

Denise Arvia

September 11, 2018

I'm so very sorry for your loss Tre and Carlos. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time. I will truly miss OJ. He was such a good friend to me and i will miss talking to him and being able to meet up with him and catch up about our families and the events of our lives. God Bless.

Rev. Annie Cains

September 10, 2018

Oliver (OJ) was a pleasure to be around. He will be missed greatly. The secret things belong to God, when you cannot trust His hand, then trust His heart. God does not make a mistake. Right now you may not understand it, but God loves you very much. In time He will fill the void in your life. I am praying mightily for you, Oliver III, Carlos and Karla Vital.

Jackie Donahue

September 9, 2018

OJ was very witty and people person that Everyone loved. He will be Greatly missed from the UPS family! May God grant the Vital family with strength and Comfort. Be Encouraged
Rest easy OJ your dear friend Jackie Banks-Donahue

Melanie Guillory

September 8, 2018

So sorry for your loss Oliver III, Carlos and Karla. I am praying for you and yours. May OJ rest in peace with Our Lord and Savoir.

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