Romeal Heziriah Sewell

romeal sewell

October 1, 1957 ~ November 17, 2024

Born in: St. Elizabeth, Jamaica
Resided in: Chantilly, Virginia

ROMEAL HEZIRIAH SEWELL
Sunrise: October 1, 1957
Sunset: November 17, 2024

Romeal Heziriah Sewell, a devoted father, loving husband, cherished brother, uncle, and faithful Deacon of the Vienna Seventh Day Adventist Church, brought light and love to everyone who knew him. Born on October 1, 1957, in Shrewsbury District, Green Valley, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, Romeal was the second eldest child of Wilfred Sewell and Margiana Wright.

In 1981, Romeal embarked on a new chapter, migrating to the United States, where he met the love of his life, Claudette. Their union was blessed with three children—Ian, Donald, and Nicolette (Nikki) —whom they raised with love, faith, and dedication.

Romeal was a man of extraordinary work ethic and unwavering integrity. He spent two decades working at Georgetown University before pursuing a career as a truck driver and owner/operator. After a serious accident ended his trucking career, his determination led him to work as a courtesy clerk at Safeway, where he remained until retiring in June 2023, Romeal continued tending his beloved garden, growing callaloo and other crops, and even considered returning to work—not out of necessity, but for the joy of staying active.

Known for his quiet wisdom and kind demeanor, Romeal was a man of strong moral character and deep faith. He was a devoted family man, often selflessly helping others. Though he spoke sparingly, his words carried weight, and he was always ready to listen to those in need. His wife, Claudette, would often tease him, saying, “You talk to everyone but not to me,” to which he would respond with a smile, “She chat too much, man.”

As the patriarch and peacemaker of his extended family, Romeal was a cornerstone of love and support. His acts of care, like ironing Claudette’s clothes, cooking her meals, and massaging her feet after long days, demonstrated his devotion. Together, they built a bond of trust, faith, and mutual respect that Claudette will cherish forever.

Romeal was a doting father, especially to his daughter Nikki. He expressed his love in countless ways, from lovingly scolding her over her misuse of his car to making sure she had a cake to celebrate every birthday. He shared a deep bond with his brother Fritzroy, affectionately known as “Bull,” with whom he spoke daily at 8:30 p.m. His love extended to his nieces and nephews, particularly Tash, whom he regarded as a daughter, and Jojo, who was his “shield.”
Cooking, farming, and listening to music brought Romeal great joy, but his deepest passion was his faith. As a committed Deacon, he served his church and community with humility and dedication. The day before his passing, Romeal continued his service to God, a testament to his unwavering devotion. Romeal loved to cook, he cooked dinner for his family one (1) hour before his passing.

Romeal Heziriah Sewell will be remembered for his quiet strength, selfless love, unshakable faith, and dedication to his family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Rest in peace, Romeal. You will forever remain in our hearts.

Survivors:
● Spouse: Claudette Sewell
● Children: Ian Sewell, Donald Sewell, Nikki Sewell
● Brothers: Fritzroy Sewell, Riley Sewell
● Sisters: Annette Sewell, Donna Sewell, Suzette Sewell, Lovelle Sewell, Carol Sewell, Pearl Sewell, May Sewell
● Grandchildren: Sienna and Jaden
● A host of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, relatives, and friends

Pallbearers:
● Fritzroy Sewell
● Donald Sewell
● Ian Russell
● Gary Skyers
● Beno Rosa
● Joey Nyirenda

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Services

Visitation: December 8, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Money and King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA 22180

703-938-7440

Funeral Service: December 9, 2024 11:00 am

Vienna Seventh-day Adventist Church
344 Courthouse Rd., SW
Vienna, VA 22180

703-938-7440

Graveside Service: December 9, 2024 1:00 pm

National Memorial Park
7482 Lee Highway
Falls Church, VA 22042

703-938-7440

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. My dearest uncle, you have rendered me speechless. Death is inevitable but oh how I wish we had more time. You will forever be missed and I will cherish our memories and hold them close to my heart. I love you dearly. R.I.P

  2. My Brother, In life I love you dearly and in death I love you still.
    My heart will always have this void because you are no longer here with us.
    Rest in perfect peace.

  3. My Brother, My Best Friend, I wish I had words to explain the pain I am feeling right now. I take comfort in knowing you are at peace.

  4. Wow I don’t know where to start too much pain so many tears brother we was just in Jamaica couple weeks ago chatting having fun now you gone I pick up my phone twice on Monday to call you .then I remember you gone not even to say good bye.i wonder why good people have to go like this.but I got this to say my cuz you or REAL.RIP God got you he knew best

  5. My gentle giant 🩵 I always knew it was going to be a great day when I could hear Mr. Sewell’s music from down the street AND when he was cooking. He will be missed and is so loved🫶🏼

  6. My uncle was a blessing his memories are treasures he was loved beyond words and will be missed the loss of my uncle was the greatest loss I love you uncle may your soul RIP

  7. Noel Headman

    RIP uncle Romal when you we’re here with us you always felt loved by everyone around you, now you are gone, your name remains in our heart never forgotten uncle rest on in god grace

  8. My heart is heavy as I try to find the words to express the pain of losing you. Rest easy, and know that you will forever live on in our heart. Until we meet again, I love you Brother!

  9. Life will never be the same without you here, but your memory will always guide us. We’ll cherish every laugh, every moment, and every lesson you gave us. Sip uncle 🕊️

  10. Dear brother I am sorry that you passed away 😢 😔 I love you and miss you I hope to see you soon one day.

  11. Dear Dad, I already miss you and I love you so much. I wish I had more time to spend with you and talk to you. You were so wise and understood me the most. I love you and rest in peace that we may see each other when Jesus comes for us

  12. It is with a heavy heart that we have to say goodbye to you, Mr. Sewell. From growing up with Nikki and asking your permission for sleepovers when we were your hip-height, to your unwavering warm welcome whenever I’ve been away for too long…. your voice, embrace, and smile will never be forgotten. You best believe I will be asking Nikki and Donald for their versions of jerk chicken and compare them to my memory of yours – perfectly seasoned and falls off the bone like butter!

    Rest easy Mr. Sewell, and see you on the other side.

    Love,
    Putri Kusdarman

  13. You have run your race, you held fast to your faith, God has been your guide, and despite the suddenness of your passing, you finished strong and faithful. So, as we mourn the loss of a beloved friend and brother, we are rejoicing that we will see each other again. As you prepared to serve what turned out to be your last act as a deacon, not knowing it would be one of our last conversations, you told me, “Once a deacon, always a deacon.” I remember arriving in Vienna, and the first time we spoke, I asked if you had families in Portland because one of my closest friends shared the name, Sewell. As I usually do, I jokingly said Portland was the best parish. In our last conversation, I asked you about your recent visit to Jamaica, and l listened to you as you reflected on your visit to St Elizabeth. I saw the joy in your eyes as you spoke about how wonderful the visit was and listened as you painted a picture of a life without worries. I listened as you explained the peace you get from sitting on the veranda, listening to the birds and the noise, and enjoying the coolness of Tradewinds. You did not know that I was living vicariously through your experience because as you relived those moments, it reminded me of my youth and an experience I longed for. Your labor is over. Rest peacefully, my brother.

  14. Brother Rom!
    I just see you standing faithfully at the back door of the church, waiting to greet me with a warm “Happy Sabbath!” and a bulletin in hand. You were always so genuine, and it seemed you loved meeting and greeting visitors and members alike. Rest now. I’ll be looking for you later; somewhere around God’s throne!

  15. Good night Mr. Sewell’s. Your candle has gone out but your legacy lives on in the many lives you impacted. Seeing the wonderful daughter you raised in the person of Nicki is a testament of the modest, gentle and exemplary life you led. Your commitment to the faith and actions thereof will remain on the tablets of the hearts you left behind. Adieu

  16. Rest in peace, Mr. Romeal. We spent a lot of time at church together through Pathfinders and serving as deacons, but I will hold dear those moments we shared when we worked at Safeway together. You were the OG that everyone looked up to and I am grateful to have had those moments together. Rest in peace.

  17. Rest in peace, Mr. Romeal. We spent a lot of time at church together through Pathfinders and serving as deacons, but I will hold dear those moments we shared when we worked at Safeway together. You were the OG that everyone looked up to and I am grateful to have had those moments together. Rest in peace.


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