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Raphael Cudjoe Obituary
Raphael was a graduate of Petersburg High School. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he learned valuable life skills and made many lifelong friends. At the age of 26, Raphael earned certification as a licensed practical nurse. He utilized this training, more often than not, without pay to work with the elderly and children with special needs.
Raphael worked as a taxi driver for six years at Boulevard Cab Company and was known for his hard work and dedication to his customers. His favorite song, 'Said I Wasn't Gonna Tell Nobody' was the evidence of the man of faith he had become. He led a simple yet fulfilling life. He was zealous for his God, submissive to his pastor, and loved and protected his family and friends. He was a creative writer who enjoyed movies and would often quote lines from his favorite films, such classics as The Ten Commandments' ... "So let it be written. So let it be done!"
Raphael leaves to cherish his memory, his parents, Casedah Imani-Cooper, Anthony Cudjoe, and Hugee Cooper; siblings, Amariyah Ammanuelle, Othniel (Heather), Terell, Ruth Anderson, and Kushaiah Hall; devoted grandfather, Yonathan A. Prince; aunts and uncles: Nyoma Judah, Rebekah Basnight, Jeanne Polk, Faith Seward, Geraldine Aloston (Marvin), Ruby Seward, Gloria Burroughs, Jacqueline Pegram (Warren), Yitz'chok Yehudah, Laihairoi Seward (Kimberly), Hambrey, Minister Kenneth Cudjoe (Cartinia), and Arnold Cudjoe; three nieces, Victoria, Tomia, and Azriel; four nephews, Bryant, Rafael, Nahshon, and Jesus; a host of cousins, among them, Deborah, Michael, and Hannah; best friend, Ricardo Hazelwood; Mr. Buck; godsisters, Jewel Farrar and Chamika Miller, devoted friends, Melissa Clarke, Sharon and Tiffany Byrd. Also left to cherish Raphael's memory are Jo'Ziah, Jordan, and Joshua Byrd, to whom he was affectionately known as "Pop-Pop".
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 27, 2011, at W.S. Watkins & Son Funeral Home, 2700 North Ave., Richmond, Va. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to National Marrow Donors Program for Marlon Bowers. www.bethematchfoundation.org/goto/marlon
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raphael Cudjoe
Sponsored by Casedah VictoryYAH Imani.
Amariyah
May 26, 2025
Thinking of you this Memorial Day. Thanks for your service. I miss you!
Eric Bennett
March 17, 2025
Remembering you Shipmate. A few have come to join you, more will as time passes....
Sarah Cudjoe
February 22, 2025
I miss you more everyday Feyfel
Abby
March 17, 2022
Thought about you today, and smiled, with teary eyes, I suppose it will always be this way. Love and miss you!
Eric Bennett
April 5, 2021
You were remembered tonight shipmate!
Amariyah Ammanuelle
May 25, 2020
Thinking of you this Memorial Day! I love you and I miss you little brother, my Feyfel.
Amariyah Ammanuelle
March 17, 2020
Missing you as always. The road to healing has been long. Love you always Feyfel.
Amariyah Ammanuelle
March 16, 2019
It has been eight years, and I still miss you. I think about you everyday, my twin for a week Feyfel.
Amariyah Ammanuelle
December 10, 2016
It is your birthday again. I miss you so much. I would still trade everything to have you here. I wish you could see the things that are happening for me. Its slow. I wish you could meet Asher and Rachel. I think you would get a kick out of them. Til next time.
March 15, 2016
Its that time again. Where I go through the events of the day and wonder why. I miss you and I still cry. Still feel like the worst big sis ever. Till Tomorrow. Love Riyah.
December 10, 2015
I thought and talked about you today. It is your birthday. I miss you, my twin. I pray that you are in a better place. Missing you everyday. Love always Saro.
Amariyah Ammanuelle
March 16, 2015
Thinking of you today. The pain is not as acute but it is still there. Still missing you. Still don't have nobody to talk alternative topics with. Still love you, your big sis Saro.
December 10, 2014
Thinking of you on what would have been your 40th birthday. I still miss you my twin for a week. Love you Saro.
Amariyah Ammanuelle
November 28, 2013
This is the third Thanksgiving since you left. I miss you very much. Love you.
SHARON BYRD
November 27, 2013
miss and love you more every day
Amariyah Ammanuelle
March 16, 2013
Today is the day that you were taking from your loved ones. I know you are missed. I hope that you have the peace that you wanted and couldn't find in life. It still hurts Feyfel when it hits me that you are gone. I love and miss you my brother and my twin.
Amariyah Ammanuelle
December 10, 2012
Today you would have been thirty eight. Yes I got excited over us being twins for a week then had to realize again that you are gone. I remember your last birthday, you opening your birthday gifts and me taking pictures of them. Things just aint the same. But i did as you asked me to with your remains. I hope you are at peace Feyfel.
November 27, 2012
To my dad things we be so much better if you were here. I miss you the grandkids miss you especially king. I still keep waiting for the nightmare to be over and for you to walk through that door. We love you. Give us a call sometimes.
sarah cudjoe
November 25, 2012
Feyfel life has really been changing. I think of you every day still. I miss you. want to make you have a great big ole belly laugh. oh yeah I still play tradewinds. Love you saro
sharon byrd
November 24, 2012
i light this candle for someone that is still in my heart. wishing i could talk with and see your smile. loving you always
September 30, 2012
Been thinking about you a lot bro. i still am waiting for you to come from around the corner laughing saying i got you good didnt i?
Amariyah Ammanuelle
June 18, 2012
On Saturday/ Shabbatt, Sherry Pegram and I fulfilled your wishes for your final resting place. It was the perfect spot. I love and miss you.
Casedah Imani-Cooper
June 17, 2012
Missing you so much, Danzinger!
Saro
April 21, 2012
It is times like these I miss you the most. I don't have anyone to talk to about deep thoughts. Thanks for the gift you sent me last year. I hope that I can hold onto it.
sharon
March 19, 2012
i light this candle in loving memory of someone very special to me for ever
V
March 16, 2012
For ever!
Amariyah (Sarah) Ammanuelle (Cudjoe)
March 16, 2012
Today is one full year that you have been gone. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you. It seems as though I mentioned something that you said or did every day. I will never forget that I once had a twin for a week for thirty six years. I love and miss you.
Jessica Jefferson
December 9, 2011
Thinking of you in the season of your birth. So thankful that we crossed paths when we did. We celebrate your LIFE!!!
Rick Asher
October 19, 2011
Like so many others, I am deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own. You share the same birth date as my son, and so you will always be with me. The memories of our travels together on board the Shiloh always bring a smile to my heart. You will be greatly missed my Shipmate, my friend, my brother.
Weyland Betha
July 6, 2011
To my fellow Sailor & friend. There are so many memories i will hold closely to my heart forever. Thank you for your companionship and all the greatness you have blessed us all with. Thank you Raphael.
amariyah ammanuelle
May 31, 2011
Yesterday was the first time that I ever thought of someone on Memorial day. You are missed and I think and talk about you every day. Love always, Saro
Carol McQuay
May 28, 2011
Hi Cousin, I am sorry that we never got to meet. I know that you are in Heaven and you will see all of our relatives. Say Hey to Grandama Gerry and Mama Nora.
Carol McQuay (Iraq)
Dad Auntie Riyah and King
May 24, 2011
Tiffany Byrd
May 24, 2011
The sorrow inmy heart has yet to heal but i ko that you are in a better place watching over us. I love you dad.
Tiffany Byrd
May 24, 2011
I love you dad. Forever in my heart you shall remain. King and prophet miss you very much as do I.
shameka coleman
May 6, 2011
he was the kinds and sweetest man that i ever known.
Hugee Cooper
April 28, 2011
Nice fellow and I loved him as though he were my very own son. Raphael was very helpful and very mannerable. Each day when I step out of my home I am reminded of Raphael as I look at the tree in my front yard that he pruned for me. It has begun to bloom ...
Kevin Seaborne
April 27, 2011
Raphael's smile will continue to make each person who knew him smile. His generous heart and kind words puts him in a special category. Blessings to the Cudjoe family.
Nyoma Judah
April 21, 2011
I can not ever forget my nephew Raphael. He meant more to me that I can express. He always treated me with utmost respect, kindness, tenderness, and generosity.
I loved his smile and the way he said 'Aunt Nay', as though I was special to him.
Raphael often questioned statements, or opinions, which is one of the characteristics of a smart, knowledgeable person, which he was.
One incident that I often recall is when he had a cold and I had given him Vitamin C at 3 1/2 hour intervals all day. Later that evening I caught him 'literally' tipping down the stairs unaware that I was behind him, he whispered to his mother, "Is Aunt Nay down there?" He was a teenager at that time, didn't think the Vitamin C would help, but was taking it because 'Aunt Nay' wanted him to.
I know Raphael really loved me, and I really loved him. I will love and cherish his memory always, and miss his presence, always.
Craig ReGester
April 20, 2011
You will be greatly missed, but are in a better place now!!! I will see you one day on the otherside SHIPMATE!!!! God Bless you and your family....
leonard robertson
April 20, 2011
To the family of the late Raphael Cudjoe im sorry 4 the loss and my thoughts and prayer go he was a friend and a leader to all who met him and got to know him
Brianna Crowder
April 19, 2011
Raphael, i'm going to miss you dearly...Joking at the office, You showing me in spare time how to make oragami's. I know you're smiling down on us and I will again see you some day.
Abby Coe
April 17, 2011
Since my cousin Raphael's passing, so many old memories have been flooding my brain. Raphael as a toddler, diving over my sister Sheba's pregnant stomach when she was carrying her son Nathaniel. Raphael laying on the cool floor in Pin Oaks one dreadfully hot summer day as a little boy. Watching him play under the table in my Mother's apartment in Brooklyn. Flash forward to my last memory, Raphael smiling this beautiful smile as I approached him to give him a hug, just a few short weeks ago. He looked so handsome. Casey (Casedah), Danno (Anthony), I have loved Raphael since the day he was born. He was a kind, generous, loyal, and intelligent man. I continue to be heartbroken over his passing. May The Most High comfort you, and his siblings, and all of us who loved him. Raphael, I will miss you, ani ohevet otkhah (??? ????? ????)
Heather Cudjoe
April 17, 2011
Raphael you will always be present, in our hearts.
Ruthie
April 17, 2011
My big brother. I miss the refrigerator raids! I am going to miss you so much. I know you will always be here with us, for your life was one that warrants a life eternal. I love you!!!
Deborah Weatherford
April 17, 2011
Your presence is truly missed. You were a defender of those everyone else was against.
Yonathan Prince
April 16, 2011
I, Yonathan A. Prince, Raphael's grandfather, was informed after Raphael's demise, that Raphael considered it an honor and a duty to transport me to and from the Tabernacle each week. How wrong he was, because, the honor was mine to have such a grandson as this; one who would want to accompany his grandfather to and from the Tabernacle. I recall Raphael saying to me, "Saved Papa, I love going to the Tabernacle" and I am reminded of Psalm 122, verses 1 and 2: I was glad when they said unto me let us go into the house of the LORD. Our feet shall stand within thy gates O Jerusalem ... verse 9: Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.
All that I can say at this time is, well done, Raphael. Well done, grandson. Well done!
April 14, 2011
Raphael,
I miss you. I will never forget you.
Thank you for your friendship.
I pray for your family and friends.
We will meet again.
Your German friend V
Oni Williams
April 10, 2011
You will truly be missed. You were an extremely loving person with a true heart of gold. I love you..your cousin Oni
Amariyah (Sarah) Ammanuelle (Cudjoe)
March 30, 2011
My brother, my friend, and my twin you are truly missed. There are no words invented that can express my sorrow over you being taken from us. You were special and one of a kind.
Rhonda
March 29, 2011
Raphael had the kindest heart and the sweetest soul. He did a great service at Fort Lee and will be missed dearly. Rest Raphael.
Dudley Fields
March 29, 2011
My thoughs and prayers go out to the Cudjoe family. May God continue to bless you all and may Raphael continue to do good from heaven above.
PHS Classmate of '92
Bobby Parker
March 29, 2011
man you will always be my bestfriend u may be gone but u will never be forgotten no matter what i remember i use to talk to raphael on the phone when he dispatched and droved for boulevard cab and i also drove cab with him at boulevard cab we all miss you bro.
Caprina McCoy
March 28, 2011
Amariyah, Mrs. Casedah, Ruth & Family
I am extending my sympathies to you and your entire family. Raphael graduated high school with me & I remember him as a kind, quiet person who never bothered anyone. I would always joke with him and get him to laugh. His smile meant a lot, being as though he never really said much and was such a great person, I got a lot out of making him laugh. I have had acquaintances with all of you in some form. I just want you to know how sorry I am for your loss & that you'll be in my prayers. May God Bless you.. Caprina McCoy & family
Maria Holmes
March 27, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
JJ English
March 27, 2011
Raphael was an Angel in my life. I loved him dearly. My condolences to his family.
robert pardoe
March 27, 2011
You will be missed
Annette Cudjoe
March 27, 2011
My co-worker, my cousin, my friend Raphael Cudjoe...You are always with me. I miss you every day. Marriage made us family your kindness made us FRIENDS! I'll love you always
Jewel Farrar
March 26, 2011
This is such a traumatic and difficult time for The Cudjoe family. As I remember, The Cudjoes have always been a close knit family and always supportive of each other. To lose Raphael is shocking and heartbreaking, but, you have the strenghth to continue and to keep alive what Raphael stood for. To Raphael, my dear RIP. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
cheryl tuck
March 26, 2011
I will miss you very much you will always be in my heart i love you
valorie thomas
March 26, 2011
You will alway be in jasmine and my heart...love always valorie and jas
Tonya Tatum
March 26, 2011
Raphael you are missed very much you will always remain in Our hearts forever
cassasndra rawlings
March 26, 2011
my heart goes out to the family my prayers are with you at your time of sorrow
Phyllis Branch-Hughes
March 26, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
From the staff of W.S. Watkins & Son Funeral Home
March 26, 2011
We present this guestbook to you with deepest compassion and with our sincerest expression of sympathy.
Isaiah Byrd
March 25, 2011
raphael you was a good man we will miss u. I know i didnt have the time to get to know you better but the time i did have to get to know you it was worth it. R.I.P Raphael Cudjoe
sharon byrd
March 25, 2011
to the family of raphael cudjoe, I'm so sorry for your loss. He will be missed and cherished by many. hope to see you all sometimes. love always, sharon
Jamie jones
March 24, 2011
I am sorry for yall lost I will keep yall in my prayers rest in peace cudjoe
Paul Adams
March 24, 2011
I will always remember Raphael for being a man of kindness and friendship. Thru all the days in the Navy - his smile was the always the best weapon.
Linwood Christian
March 24, 2011
Caseda, I am still shocked. I don't know what to say,but if there is anything I can do. Please let me know.
Linnie
Andrew Adams
March 23, 2011
I am very sorry to hear the news about Raphael. We served together in the Navy and he was a great friend! He got me through some tough times in the Navy by being a great friend. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Ebony Leach
March 23, 2011
To the Cudjoe family I am so sorry for your lost, may your faith give you the strength to make it through this difficult time. "Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning"
PHS Classmate
March 23, 2011
To sarah and family may god help you through this difficult time my orayers are with you your love one is in a better place just to soon be bless and lean on the ever lasting arms of jesus.karla
ERICA PARHAM THORNE AND FAMILY (TWINKIE)
March 23, 2011
TO THE CUDJOE FAMILY I SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST AND I'LL PRAY FOR U AND YOUR FAMILY. JUST BELIEVE IN THE LORD AND HE WILL SEE U THROUGH.
Tamika Crawley
March 23, 2011
I'm sorry u r gone but never forgotten
Monique Goode Robertson
March 23, 2011
To Sarah and Family,
My heart goes out to you and your family during this most difficult time. Raphael truly had a kind and gentle soul. My mother spoke of him often when he cared for her during her hospital stay at JRMC. May the fond memories that you have help you through this time.
Monique
Pin Oaks neighbor and
Classmate of PHS '92
JACQUELINE CUDJOE PEGRAM
March 23, 2011
TO MY NEPHEW: REST IN PEACE! RAPHAEL WAS A KIND HEARTED PERSON WHO WAS THERE FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE AND HE WILL BE MISSED! THIS WAS A SENSELESS DEATH!THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A SPACE IN MY HEART FOR YOU!
lOVE ALWAYS, YOUR AUNT JACKEY P!
Wayne Scott
March 23, 2011
God Bless You Raphael for trying to make a living for your Family, Be Bless in Heaven and you know to the family this could have been anyone,
Wayne Robert Scott
JASMINE WINFIELD
March 23, 2011
i really didnt knw yall side of the family but we are all still family no matter what im so sorry to hear that he's gone but ima miss you nd love you cuzz REST IN PARADISE CUZZO
PATRICIA HARRIS
March 23, 2011
TO THE CUDJOE FAMILY SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF YOUR LOVE ONE.RAPHAEL WAS A NEIGHBOOR IN PIN OAKS AND ALSO A MEMBER OF MY NURSING CLASS OF 2000. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY.
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